Format

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 gameshow, in a fast-paced and frantic format designed to leave contestants’ nerves in tatters.

Six challengers battle it out across six adrenaline-pumping 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 prize money.

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

Zoe 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 calibre 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 said: “BBC Two is the home of clever, funny quiz formats, and our hope is that the nation’s quizzers will really love Lightning.”


Lightning is a 25x30’ series for BBC Two. The format was devised by Banijay Group’s Fizz (part of RDF) and Nice One. The Executive Producers are Neale Simpson (Fizz) and Chris Jones (Nice One). It was commissioned by Carla-Maria Lawson, BBC Head of Daytime and Early Peak, and Muslim Alim, Commissioning Editor BBC Daytime and Early-Peak.