BBC Breakfast host Jon Kay found himself in an amusing twist on Celebrity Mastermind – as he went head-to-head against Beattie Edmonson, daughter of Adrian Edmonson who starred in his chosen specialist subject, the iconic 80s sitcom The Young Ones.
As Jon prepared to answer questions about the landmark comic serieswhich featured her father, actor Adrian Edmondson, Beattie sat ready, having chosen US rock band The Strokes as her own area of expertise.
With them on the quest for quiz glory were singer-actress Suzanne Shaw and the comedian Glenn Moore. The broadcast journalist racked a solid nine points, only to be edged out by Beattie who nabbed 10 in her specialist niche.
Social media was abuzz over the event, some suggesting it may have been orchestrated for Beattie to be present while another competitor tackled queries about The Young Ones.
Comments poured in on the unexpected lineup scenario. One viewer stated: “I assume it was done deliberately – to have Ade Edmondson’s daughter on the episode where someone else is answering questions about The Young Ones #CelebrityMastermind.”
Another spectator pondered: “Is this a first? Answering questions about a show featuring the father of one of the contenders? #celebritymastermind.”
And yet another mentioned: “So one of the specialist subjects on #celebritymastermind is a programme starring the dad of one of the other contestants!”
In his general knowledge stint, Jon disclosed to presenter Clive Myrie that his choice of The Young Ones was spurred by having interviewed Adrian Edmondson previously on Breakfast, reports the Express.
Jon quipped: “Little did I know you put me next to young ones royalty here tonight with Beattie here. I was actually interviewing her dad, Ade, oh, on breakfast. That made me think about doing The Young ones, as my subject.”
Adrian is quite familiar with Celebrity Mastermind himself, having been a winner on the show, and Beattie revealed where the family keeps the coveted prize: “The trophy is displayed quite prominently – it’s not hidden away.”
Beattie didn’t replicate her father’s success. Jon, initially lagging behind, managed to make a comeback and ultimately clinched victory on the show.
Reflecting on his stint on BBC Breakfast during Tuesday’s programme, his colleague Nina Warhurst admitted she hadn’t caught his winning moment yet. She said: “I’ve not seen it yet, I’m sorry I’m a bad friend! How did it go?”
In response, he teased Nina: “I’m going to make you watch it! ” But it was all in good spirits as he reassured her that it went reasonably well, even though he was petrified.
Nina praised Jon for his courage to participate in the game show, saying: “I think you’re really brave to do it! I take my hat off to you.”
To which Jon responded: “I thought you had all done it. I thought it was a right of passage for being on this programme.”
However, it seems Nina isn’t eager to take on the challenge herself as she confessed that she would draw a blank if she were to compete.
Celebrity Mastermind is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer with BBC Breakfast continuing weekdays on BBC One from 6am.