Sue Perkins will present a new chess competition show on the BBC, the broadcaster has confirmed.
Chess has not been seen on the BBC for more than 30 years.
Chess tournaments were previously broadcast through a TV show called The Master Game, which aired in the 1970s and 1980s.
The programme featured commentary from previous champions of the game and was hosted by Jeremy James.
BBC's highest paid stars 2023/24
Chess to return to the BBC for first time in more than 30 years
Now, after a more than 30 year hiatus the BBC is set to bring chess back with former Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins to present a new show called Chess Masters (working title).
The new show will see “12 talented amateurs from across Britain are pitted against one another in the world’s oldest game”.
Perkins added: “It’s all about psychology, strategy, smart thinking, and nerves of steel. Chess that is, not my job (which usually involves the opposite).
"I’m there to help us understand what’s going on in the players’ heads and make sense of what’s happening on the board.
“We’ve been waiting over 30 years to see chess back on our TV screens. Chess Masters will make that wait worthwhile.”
Howell said: “Chess has been a huge part of my life, and I cannot wait to invite viewers into the subtleties and intrigues of the game, as well as introducing them to the chess community.
“We have the perfect selection of contestants, reflecting the fact that chess is a game for everyone.”
The eight-part series comes after a surge in the popularity of chess amid the release of the hit Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit starring Anya Taylor-Joy back in 2020.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Long running BBC drama series 'isn't going anywhere' amid claims it faces the axe
- BBC axe show after almost 30 years as host says 'this is sad news'
- ITV channels 'no longer available' on TV boxes from this week - see those affected
It is said to be the fastest growing sport in the world, with an estimated six million people regularly playing chess in the UK.
Chess also boasts a number of high profile celebrity fans including Will Smith, Madonna and Leonardo de Caprio.
Chess Masters will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, but a start date it yet to be revealed.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here