The nation votes to bring back 'The Crystal Maze' and ‘Catchphrase’

17^th March 2009

Hot on the heels of the recent return of 'The Krypton Factor', the nation would now like to see 'The Crystal Maze' and ‘Catchphrase’ back on our screens, according to new research.

The research, by Churchill Insurance*, looked at game shows past and present to establish a definitive top ten list of all time and discover which ones the nation would most like to see back on their screens.

‘The Crystal Maze’ is the top show people would like brought back from game show heaven, firmly followed by some other family favourites.

1. The Crystal Maze - With its Aztec, Futuristic, Medieval and Industrial zones (or Ocean if watching a later episode) and the Crystal Dome with its gold and silver tokens, The Crystal Maze is the show people would most like to grace their TV screens once more
2. Catchphrase - 'It's good but it's not right' - the game show famously fronted by Roy Walker has landed second place
3. Blockbusters - 'Can I have a 'p' please Bob?' or should that be 'Can I have a three please Bob?' as the research reveals this game show comes third best
4. Bullseye - It's 'super, smashing, great' that Jim Bowen's Bullseye darts into the wish list
5. The Generation Game - This programme played a 'good game, good game', just creeping into the top five list

However, whilst these shows are fondly remembered, not all of them make the final cut when it comes to the list of greatest game shows of all time - many of which make way for the new game shows on the block.

1. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - No need to ‘phone a friend’ on this one, this game show tops Churchill's poll with its winning combination of Chris Tarrant's hosting skills, challenging questions and a big-money prize
2. Deal Or No Deal - The viewing public may not 'want to see the quarter of a million' but they certainly wanted Noel Edmonds' popular game show in at number two
3. QI - Quite interesting that Stephen Fry's intellectual comedy panel show makes it into the third spot
4. Family Fortunes - Not quite the 'top answer' in our poll, this game show is still a firm family favourite, nearly thirty years on from when it began
5. Catchphrase - Roy Walker and the animated Mr Chips make it to number five
6. University Challenge - Not quite getting a 'starter for ten', many people still believe that University Challenge, with its challenging questions, is one of the greatest game shows of all time
7. The Crystal Maze - Not only the show people would most like to see back on screen, it is number seven on the list of greatest game shows of all time
   Mastermind (Joint 7th) - A stint sitting in the famous black chair along with a 'specialist subject', makes Mastermind tops for memory and knowledge
8. The Weakest Link - Voting is over and this game show has not been revealed as the weakest link
9. A Question of Sport - No questions asked about this one, it has been a firm favourite since 1970 with some of the biggest names in British and international sport appearing on it throughout the years
10. Countdown - Da da da da da-da-da-da Boom! It is no conundrum that this favourite amongst daytime viewers creeps its way into the top ten

Matt Owen, spokesperson for Churchill Insurance, says:

"The nation loves game shows - they are a great source of entertainment and something the whole family can enjoy together. There's a great selection coming out of our game show charts, with the oldies not always necessarily being the best, but with all of them proving that you can really depend on a British game show for light entertainment."

Churchill Insurance commissioned the research to mark the launch of a new TV advertisement featuring Roy Walker and the iconic nodding dog.

Abi Clark / Matt Owen
Churchill Insurance Press Office
Tel: 020 8285 3276 / 020 8285 8795
Mob: 07974 161650 / 07717 360444
Email: abi.clark@churchill.com

Notes to editors:
* Research conducted online on behalf of Churchill by Opinium Research between 17th and 19th December 2008 amongst 2,441 respondents, representative of the UK adult population. www.opinium.co.uk

Game show information taken from www.ukgameshows.com

Founded in 1989, Churchill is now one of the UK's leading providers of general insurance, offering award-winning car, home, travel and pet insurance cover over the phone or on-line.

Churchill is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Churchill products or get a quote by calling 0800 200300 or visiting www.churchill.com.

Churchill Insurance Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: Churchill Court, Westmoreland Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1DP. Registered in England and Wales no.2258947. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through www.fsa.gov.uk.