Channel 4 commissions new game show Benchmark

12 February 2015

Channel 4, today announces Benchmark, a brand new weekday format launching in Spring 2015.

‘Benchmark’ is a new gameshow format hosted by Paddy McGuinness – where one contestant could take home thousands of pounds, with the help from 10 members of the Great British Public aka ‘Benchmarkers’. How?  They are going to answer the questions for them!

In the quiz, the ‘Benchmarkers’ must answer a series of tricky numerical general knowledge questions, their answers set the benchmark and then all the contestant has to do is decide whether the correct answer is higher or lower.

As well as helping, and hopefully not hindering, the contestant – the ‘Benchmarkers’ are also in their own battle to be top of the leaderboard to play for cash on the next show.

Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Syeda Irtizaali said: “We are completely thrilled that Paddy will be hosting this distinctive new game show which not only has great play along at its heart but revels in being warm and funny and bringing the best out of the contestants.”

Benchmark was created by Stuart Shawcross, Victory Television's Head of Entertainment. “Benchmark is an incredibly simple, but hugely entertaining game show that will have you shouting at your TV. Paddy is the perfect match for the show and guarantees wit and humor at its core”, said Shawcross.

Contestants can apply now at contestants@victorytelevision.com (Over 18’s only, closing date March 23rd 2015)

Benchmark was commissioned for Channel 4 by Syeda Irtizaali and is produced by Victory Television. It will be executive produced by Victoria Ashbourne, Tamara Gilder and Stuart Shawcross.