The 99p Challenge

Contents

Host

Sue Perkins

Co-hosts

Panellists included: Armando Iannucci, Simon Pegg, Peter Baynham, Dave Green (of Need to Know fame), Nick Frost, Peter Serafinowicz, Tom Binns

Broadcast

Pozzitive Production for BBC Radio 4, 22 June 2000 to 29 September 2004 (24 episodes in 4 series)

Synopsis

Spoof panel game on BBC Radio 4, a revised and retitled version of the universally unpopular King Stupid.

Perkins gives the panellists silly things to do and they are awarded pence, rather than points, for being funny. Some of the rounds use ingenious use of sound effects, leading to quickfire rounds about mobile phone "I'm running late" excuses and train station announcements.

The player with the most money at the end of the show is given the chance to win the jackpot of 99p. Some of the games were quite ingenious, such as "Half and Half" where the finalist had to answer exactly half the questions correctly.

Key moments

Running gag by the Radio 4 announcers after each programme in series 3: "If you'd like to try and win 99p, you can do so by ringing the special '99p Challenge' hotline. Calls are charged at £1.50 a minute."

Occasionally, contestants have had to gamble their winnings of over £1 in order to win the jackpot 99p.

Theme tune

Intro: Borodin's Prince Igor. Outro: 99 Luftballons by Nena.

Web links

Wikipedia entry

Downloadable episode archive

See also

King Stupid

Feedback

To correct something on this page or post an addition, please complete this form and press "Send":
If you are asking us a question, please read our contact us page and FAQ first.

Name: E-mail:   
A Labyrinth Games site.
Design by Thomas.
Printable version
Editors: Log in