Quiz master John tackles TV’s Anne

By Staff reporter

Last updated 11:36, Monday, 12 May 2008

A WORKINGTON quiz master met his match when he came face to face with ice-cool TV presenter Anne Robinson on television’s The Weakest Link.

Challenge: Contender John Hastings, inset, and hostile host Anne Robinson

John Hastings, 35, of Mossbay Road, will be appearing on the BBC television show on Wednesday. John said he was well prepared for the challenge after having already made it to the final of Countdown eight years ago.

Although Anne Robinson gave him a hard time he said he still had a good time.

“She gave me a bit of grief about my job and the fact that I am a big fan of the Eurovision Song Contest.

“The way to deal with Anne is just to face her head on. The experience was brilliant though and I really enjoyed it.

I just hope that I have done enough to make my work colleagues proud.”

The show was recorded at the Pinewood Studios, where the James Bond films are made.

John added: “I think she would make quite a good Bond villain, but the good thing is that she is able to laugh at herself as well.”

John is an administration officer for the Rural Payments Agency on Workington’s Derwent Howe Estate. He took a break from quizzing after filming the show.

But said he could not keep away from them and he now has plans to take part in more television shows.

He added: “After applying to be on The Weakest Link I received an audition in July and I now am really looking forward to watching it next week.

“There was a good mix of contestants on the show from places like Manchester and The Channel Islands who were all really friendly.”

John has also applied to appear on quiz shows Mastermind, Golden Balls and Duel and plans to apply to appear on Deal or No Deal.