Fraserburgh’s James Davidson left viewers awestruck with his knowledge of ancient Rome in the BBC Mastermind final – but fell short of securing the famous glass trophy.
On Monday, April 24, James competed against five of the UK’s top quizzers in the high-stakes trivia contest.
The episode was filmed in November, and he had friends round to watch it with himself and flatmate Michael – who encouraged James to try out for the show.
As the lights dimmed and the 50th final got under way, others answered questions on subjects like the Rocky movies and Princess Margaret.
How did final appearance on BBC Mastermind go?
James was the third of the six contestants to take his place in the famous leather armchair opposite host Clive Myrie.
A video was shown featuring James at home in the Granite City, with a visit to Aberdeen University’s library to learn more about specialist subject Emperor Augustus.
Hopefully James Davidson's visit to Museums and Special Collections to look at material relating to the Emperor Augustus has helped him in the @MastermindQuiz final!
Good luck!https://t.co/XpO2taGkFv
— Aberdeen Uni Museums and Special Collections (@uoacollections) April 24, 2023
His aunt Brenda also made an appearance, telling viewers the type of books James has always enjoyed “go way over her head”.
James got nine questions right on his specialist first round.
That tally was soon overtaken by the next contestant.
Perhaps boosted by a video message from comedian Ricky Gervais, Stuart Field scored an astonishing 15 points on questions about his sitcom Extras.
Congratulations Stuart Field on winning Mastermind who's specialist subject was Extras @rickygervais #Mastermind pic.twitter.com/Qefy6Sdiz5
— Jerry Hicks (@JerryHicksUnite) April 24, 2023
After the second round of general knowledge questions, James ended up with a total tally of 22 points.
That was enough to earn him joint fourth place, while Stuart lifted the famous bowl with a final score of 28.
So would James try again?
Speaking to the Press and Journal shortly after the end credits rolled, James told us he would consider having another crack at Mastermind.
But it wouldn’t be “for a good few years”.
Now, James is looking forward to giving his little grey cells a well-earned rest.
“I’m just wanting a break from quizzing,” he laughed.
No regrets after memorable experience on BBC Mastermind
Reflecting on the final, he said: “I thought I came across like I was enjoying myself, which is all I wanted to do.
“I did the best in the final than I had done in any of the previous rounds, and I was pleased I didn’t come last.
“I’m just really glad my flatmate Michael for pushing me to go on, I never thought I would get as far as I did.”
Wind almost blew big Mastermind final appearance off course
Ahead of the screening, James told us how fierce storms last year almost prevented him from even taking his place in the final.
With heavy rain and strong winds blasting the north-east across three days in mid-November, the council called off its Christmas lights event and ferries were cancelled as various weather warnings were issued.
It was with some trepidation that James arrived at Aberdeen International Airport on Friday, November 18.
During an agonising wait, he grew more and more doubtful.
The DC Thomson advertising worker admitted: “I didn’t know if I was going to get there.”
James explained that Mastermind always has “reserve” contestants – knocked out in previous rounds – ready to step up if a finalist can’t take part.
It seemed all his preparations could be for naught as he waited six hours for the flight from Aberdeen to the Belfast studios to gain clearance.
So it was with a sigh of relief that he finally boarded the plane.
What is local trivia fan’s BBC Mastermind specialist subject now?
In the first round, aired in January, James impressed with his knowledge of Nicole Kidman films before a barnstorming performance in the deciding general knowledge round.
The next time, Queen Anne was his semi-final specialist subject.
This time it was Emperor Augustus, and James’s training involved binging history podcasts.
James’s first appearance can be seen here, and the semi-final here.
Conversation