Yahoo News Ken Bruce's PopMaster: What you need to know as radio quiz hits More 4
The radio DJ is making his TV debut
Ken Bruce will be making his TV debut with his new series PopMaster, a gameshow inspired by his hit radio segment of the same name.
The veteran radio DJ left BBC Radio 2 earlier this year in favour of Greatest Hits Radio, marking the end of his lengthy career at the station.
Read more: Ken Bruce: I stayed too long at Radio 2, I should have left sooner
When he left, he took PopMaster with him and he has transitioned the concept from radio to TV.
Here is everything that you need to know about the upcoming programme.
What is Ken Bruce's PopMaster?
Ken Bruce's PopMaster is based on his segment of the same name from his time on BBC Radio 2 — and now part of his Greatest Hits Radio show — and it saw two challengers go head-to-head for a quiz that tests their knowledge of pop music. The TV show version will feature more contestants at one time.
Contestants will have to answer a series of 10 questions focused on pop hits ranging from the 1950s to present day. The winner then goes on to play a segment known as "three-in-10" where they have 10 seconds to name three hits by a specific artist or group.
The quiz had a regular slot on his radio show in the 1990s, and Bruce proved to have a keen grasp of the future as he trademarked the name and idea whilst still working for the BBC.
In an interview with the i newspaper, Bruce explained: "I asked somebody within the BBC if they wished to come in and protect [the PopMaster name].
Read more: How Radio 2 has transformed to attract new listeners
"They said, 'Nah, you’re alright, I don’t think we want to get involved in doing that.' So I went to the trademark office and trademarked it.
"I’ve still got the patent. I kept renewing it and I’m delighted that we’re able to keep using it in this way.
"There wasn’t any massive legal battle.”
When will Ken Bruce's PopMaster TV show be released?
Bruce's new programme will premiere on More4 at 8pm on Monday, 26 June and the series will have six episodes in total.
In an interview with new magazine, Bruce added that he felt "ready" to make a big change in his life and the TV adaptation of the quiz will be a "friendly, warm experience" for those competing on the show.
He added: "It feels right and I’m really enjoying it. I recommend that if anybody has the opportunity when they get to a certain age to just take a slight different direction in life then do it. Why not?”
Vernon Kay took over Bruce's slot on BBC Radio 2, while Bruce appears on Greatest Hits Radio weekdays from 10am to 1pm.
Watch: Ken Bruce talks about his family life
