BBC Two Commissions Zoe Lyons-Fronted Series

The BBC has commissioned Fizz and Nice One TV to produce Lightning, a new teatime entertainment show hosted by award-winning comic Zoe Lyons.

Lightning sees the traditional quiz show collide with a game show, in a fast-paced and frantic format designed to leave contestants’ nerves in tatters. Six challengers battle it out across six rounds while a ruthless spotlight patrols the studio eliminating contestants. The challengers’ motivation is simple: do whatever it takes to stay out of the light. With dramatic lightning and a thundering soundtrack, Lightning will combine quick-fire questions with physical trials bringing a new pace and tone to the teatime quiz slot on BBC Two.

Zoe Lyons will preside, supporting contestants as they strive to reach the ultimate goal of £3,000 ($3,900) in prize money.

Lightning is filmed in Northern Ireland with support from Northern Ireland Screen.

Lyons said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be the host of Lightning. It’s a dream job for me as I’m a massive quiz fan and—unlike the contestants—I love being in the spotlight.”

Carla-Maria Lawson, BBC head of daytime and early peak, said: “The pace and the caliber of competition in Lightning along with Zoe’s energy and wit, will bring a real buzz to BBC Two teatimes.”

Neale Simpson, creative director of Fizz, said: “This show combines frenetic Q&A with physical challenges, putting contestants on the spot like no other, and it’s a joy to have Zoe on hand to restore calm after the storm when Lightning strikes!”

Chris Jones, Nice One’s founder, added: “BBC Two is the home of clever, funny quiz formats, and our hope is that the nation’s quizzers will really love Lightning.”