BBC One announces new gameshow Head Hunters hosted by Rob Beckett

Comedian Rob Beckett is to present new BBC One quiz Head Hunters, in which contestants can ‘headhunt’ others to help them win cash prizes.

The new daytime quiz will air every weekday for six weeks, with each episode beginning with twenty contenders known as the ‘Talent Pool’.

Three compete to reach the final round, when the top ‘Head Hunter’ plays to win a rolling jackpot.

To do so, they must answer nine questions from very different categories within a 90-second time limit.

However, if they’re not confident alone, they can buy help from other Talent Pool members by making cash offers.

In a Deal Or No Deal-style twist, contestants can appear on several episodes, giving the show a ‘soap opera’ feel.

This means members of the Talent Pool are able to make – and break – allegiances as they see fit.

The fast-paced format features around 80 questions per episode.

Rob said: “When I was first approached about Head Hunters I was slightly worried that it might be a reality TV hunting show, and I would be shot by an ivory poacher.

“Luckily for me it’s a brilliant quiz show that I get to host. It’s my first time hosting a quiz and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

“We will definitely have some laughs along the way as our Head Hunters bid, banter and sometimes offend their opponents.”

BBC Commissioning Editor Jo Street added: “If knowledge has a price, how much will our Head Hunters be worth? £15,000? £1,500? Or £1.50?

“Every episode of Head Hunters will be different – some quizzers could be offered huge amounts by each other, some could be offensively small.

“Either way Head Hunters will deliver BBC One Daytime viewers fun and games throughout.”

Rob is now a firm BBC favourite, with Head Hunters marking his third major presenting role at the broadcaster.

The comic fronts singing show All Together Now, and also co-hosted short-lived gameshow Wedding Day Winners with Lorraine Kelly.

He is also currently a team captain on E4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats, and the narrator of reality show Celebs Go Dating.

Head Hunters will be filmed in Glasgow and is due to air later this year.