The Answer Run: Jason Manford Interview

New BBC One quiz show, The Answer Run, gives its contestants the answers, they just need to take a 50/50 swipe at which one is right.

The Answer Run, made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions, arrives on screens this month and sees comedian Jason Manford as host, guiding players through ‘The Run’.

Three pairs of contestants will compete in each episode swiping their way through the fast-paced, general knowledge questions hoping to bank a cash prize.

Two answers are provided with the question fitting into one of them. Answer categories will range from ‘Dolly Parton or Barbie’ to ‘Venus or Saturn’ through to ‘Eastenders or Coronation Street’ and everything in between.

Two teams will leave throughout the show leaving the final pair facing The Final Run in the hope of taking home the money they’ve banked during the episode.

Tell us about The Answer Run, how does it work?

It’s such a really simple format which is what makes it perfect for those at home to play along with. There’s two answers in each category then the question is asked and the players have to decide which answer to go with. For example if the answers were Birds or Bees, the question could be……’the famous emblem of the city of Manchester is…..?’…obviously it’s a bee! And I really should know that one!

Why did you want to be the host of The Answer Run?

I love presenting, as well as my acting and theatre work presenting is something I’ve always enjoyed so when The Answer Run knocked on my door I couldn’t pass it up. We filmed the show in Glasgow earlier this year and it’s such a great city and I got to work with such a great team. The contestants really are the stars of the show though.

How did you make the contestants feel at ease?

Obviously a lot of contestants would be nervous because for most it’s their first time on TV. Even I was nervous! I think the best thing to put people at ease though is to have a laugh and a joke with them. Above all this is supposed to be fun!

Some of the players had great back stories and it was fun to bring some humour to what can be a really tense time.

Any stand out moments from the series?

Well I wouldn’t want to give any spoilers but there were some really gutting moments where the players had built up their cash pot to a considerable amount only to lose it all in the final round. That’s never nice for any of us.

But on the flip side there were pairs who walked away with really decent sums of money and you just know that that money was going to go towards something really special.