Jeremy Vine: Eggheads 'sleeping' as part of the BBC’s 'desire to pull in 16 to 24-year-old viewers'

Jeremy Vine has confirmed Eggheads is currently “sleeping” as part of the BBC’s “desire to pull in 16 to 24-year-old viewers”.

The hit quiz show, which sees quiz teams from across nation attempt to beat the shows expert quizzers, has been a near constant on our screens since 2003.

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However, with no plans in the pipeline to film more episodes, the current series could be the last time we see Eggheads for some time.

Vine has admitted the show, of which there is over 1,800 episodes, is a firm favourite among older viewers and could fall foul of the BBC’s attempts to keep up with streaming services such as Netflix.

Speaking to The Guardian, Vine said of the show: “My understanding is that it’s sleeping.

“I did more than 1,000 episodes and it’s one of the most successful TV shows in the history of British television, but I think what’s happened is it’s fallen victim to the BBC’s understandable desire to pull in 16- to 24-year-olds.

“Eggheads has the oldest audience in British television. I think the average age is 90.”

Vine, who has been with the BBC doing various roles for 33 years, admits the corporation is currently going through something of a crises.

He added: “It’s an identity crisis caused by digital as much as a financial crisis caused by changes to the licence fee. We’ve been trying to become Netflix and we’ve done well with Line of Duty, Fleabag etc.”

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As well as Eggheads, Vine is known for his show on Radio 2, as well as stints on Newsnight and Point of View.

Addressing the BBC’s stance on impartiality, Vine says he operated by believing “you can have values but you can’t have views”.

The current series of Eggheads, which was filmed last year, is currently airing daily on BBC 2 from 6pm.