Alan Carr Spills the Beans on New BBC Quiz Show “Picture Slam”

Popular TV host Alan Carr is set to bring a fresh and entertaining quiz show to our screens with “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam.” The show takes a unique twist, using pictures as questions, with each picture being worth cash. Whether it’s recognizing famous faces or identifying everyday brands and logos, contestants need to have a well-rounded knowledge to succeed.

The teams will race against the clock to correctly identify the pictures, with the opportunity to clear the board and receive a cash bonus. Only the final team will have a chance to take home their banked cash, and if they can correctly name all the required pictures, they will walk away with the coveted £10,000 jackpot. We had the chance to sit down with Alan Carr to get the inside scoop on this new series.

What is the concept of “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam” and how is the game played?

This is the quiz where every question is a picture, and all you have to do is name them. It’s simple to play and so much fun yet can get bloody frustrating when your knowledge is put to the test with these pictures. From faces, places and brands you see every day to nostalgia you fondly remember, from food you would never eat to garden tools you’ve seen but never used – you need to know something about everything.

As this is your first time hosting a BBC quiz show on a Saturday evening, how do you feel about this opportunity?

Firstly it’s a real honour to be given a Saturday evening show on the BBC, let’s face it, it’s every presenter’s dream. You just don’t want to let anyone down, but there was so much laughter and joy when we filmed it that I think that sense of silliness is going to just come through the TV screen and get everyone excited about it. It’s a silly word to use for a show, but it’s quite lovable.

What drew you to present “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam” and what do you enjoy most about it?

I loved the madcap nature of the show and you just can’t help but shout the answer when you see a picture. There wasn’t a huge list of rules to learn, it was instantly accessible, like all the contemporary quiz shows, Tipping Point, The Chase or Pointless, they all have one thing in common, they are easy to follow and have that play-a-long-ability. Of course there are going to be naysayers, there always are when a new show comes on the screens but I bet after ten minutes they’ll be shouting at the screens ‘Athens’, ‘Whisk’ ‘Floella Benjamin’.

Can you give us any funny anecdotes from filming or share some memorable incorrect answers?

Well, I don’t want to give away any of the gags but when you’re under pressure, the mouth goes into gear before the brain does, so there were some right corkers. For me it’s when people don’t recognize historical figures, or cultural icons and shout out names by thinking they’re a soap star or someone a bit low rent. Thank God they aren’t alive to watch the show, there will be some bruised egos, I can tell you.

Were there any standout contestants during the show’s filming?

We had some right old characters on the show, they were a real eclectic bunch from all walks of life, and as the show isn’t just about knowledge and facts, it’s also about keeping cool under pressure, so you never really knew who was going to win. It was the people who knew a little about a lot rather than an egghead that went home with the big cash prize.

You filmed in Glasgow, what is your favorite aspect of the city?

I’ve been to Glasgow loads of times with my stand up tours so I know it pretty well, you must go to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery even if it’s just to see the beautiful building. I’ve played both the Hydro and the gorgeous King’s Theatre. Speaking of the King’s Theatre, it was upon that very stage that I high kicked during my act and tore my calf muscle and had to perform with a crutch, so it was nice to be back in Glasgow and not be hobbling.

If the show were to feature celebrities, who would you like to see and why?

I think Keith Lemon would be great on the show, it’s so mad and random, and he has such a crazy mind that he would be perfect for it.

How does “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam” differ from other entertainment quizzes in terms of its look and feel?

The graphics on the show are rather clever, they have taken 2D pictures and made them look 3D on a massive screen – everything feels larger than life. Plus, the pace of the show is like a white-knuckle ride, you really don’t have time to think, it will get your heart and your mind racing!

Can you describe “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam” in just three words?

Exciting. Fun. Nostalgic.

Finally, why should viewers tune in to watch “Alan Carr’s Picture Slam”?

I think families are going to love it. Tonally it’s perfect Saturday viewing that’s going to set you up for the evening. Everything is covered. 60’s up until the present day, music, flags, brands, cultural icons you name it, it might well pop up on the screen. It’s one of those quizzes that’s doesn’t make you feel stupid – anyone can play along, it’s so inclusive.

Alan Carr’s Picture Slam premieres soon on BBC One.

Image Credit: BBC

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