David Tennant, the star of Doctor Who and an all-around superstar, is embarking on a new career as a game show presenter.
The Good Omens star is embracing his inner quizmaster and competing against Bradley Walsh on ITV’s new quiz show Genius Game.
For years, The Chase ruled supreme, but now David will put tactically minded Brits through their paces.
David isn’t giving up acting entirely; he’s supposed to feature in the 80s revival Bergerac as well.
The programme will not only put competitors’ wits to the test; it will also highlight their social skills in a survival of the wittiest.
The Bafta and Emmy-winning actor will star in Genius Game, a South Korean version, as The Creator for the eight-part series.
Contestants will play never-before-seen games meant to test their intellectual abilities while also motivating them to employ the art of manipulation to outwit their opponents.
David, 59, will lead the competitors through the obstacles before presenting the winner with a handsome cash reward at the end.
‘This exciting reality format is designed to keep not just the players but the audience on the edge of their seats with each episode containing compelling gameplay and thrilling twists,’ Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV, said.
‘David Tennant is the perfect ringmaster to preside over this battle of brainpower, teamwork and deception. We’re delighted to be bringing Genius Game to the ITV audience.’
Tamara Gilder, joint MD of Remarkable added: ‘We are so thrilled that David will be guiding the players through the twists & turns of the show.
‘There’s nothing quite like Genius Game, it’s smart & funny – just like he is – he’s the perfect frontman.’
Get ready for Genius Game 🚨
The smartest reality show on TV 🧠 But do you have the wit to crack the code & reveal the secret identity of ‘The Creator’?#GeniusGame coming soon to ITV and @ITVX pic.twitter.com/pvpduupFDB
— ITV (@ITV) March 13, 2024
ITV had shared a promotional shot of a dark figure in the background to tease the identity of The Creator, with the code ‘1.1.4.4.5.9.14.14.14.20.20.22’.
Fans on X skipped cracking the code and decided it was David based on his silhouette alone.
‘I don’t need to crack any code, I’d recognize those slinky hips (TM Michael Sheen) anywhere,’ user Sky_Blue replied.
Soph added: ‘I thought “That’s David Tennant silhouette”, then I cracked the code and realised it was David Tennant 😅🤣🤣 I know that guy anywhere.’
The Chase’s Mark Labbett teased: ‘Genius Game and you haven’t asked me to take part? I am shocked :).’
Genius Game has not been given a launch date yet but watch this space.
