THE black chair is waiting...and so is acid-tongued John Humphrys.

BBC researchers are in Oxford on Thursday to recruit a fresh patch of contestants for the next series of Mastermind.

They are inviting hopefuls to drop into the Old Bank Hotel in High Street for a quick-fire general knowledge test between 9.30am and 7pm.

Programme researcher Michael Farnell said: “Ideally it would be good if people could book a slot, but they can just drop by on the day if they're passing.

“The audition is quite brisk.

“It’s 20 questions and they are a tough set. But we need to know people’s general knowledge is good, because we can’t have people struggling on television.”

Potential contestants will also be expected to have an informal chat about potential specialist subjects.

In February last year, the BBC held auditions at the Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street.

Dozens of aspiring quiz contestants came along, including seven of the 96 contestants in the current series.

Three of the contestants — Ian Bayley, Nancy Dickman and Ara Varatharaj — are in the semi-finals, being broadcast in April and May.

Mr Farnell said: “Contrary to popular belief, we are not looking for experts.

“We want people who are prepared to become experts in a subject they love.

“We are also looking to get more young people to participate.

“So if your passion is Persian cats, Mary Seacole, Dido, Tommy Cooper, Euripides, Inspector Morse or Australian vineyards, you should think about applying — the list really is as long and as varied as the interests of the British public.

“We are inviting the people of Oxford to step into the spotlight. The black leather chair is waiting.”

Oxford music student Ben Skipp, 26, made it to the first round of the current series, scoring 14 points on his specialist subject — Chichester Cathedral — and an additional five on the general knowledge round.

Mr Farnell said: “Ben did really well on his specialist subject, especially for someone in their 20s.”

Mastermind has become one of TV’s longest running series.

The programme was the brainchild of former RAF gunner Bill Wright who drew on his wartime experience as a PoW in Germany to create the format for the show.

For contestants, isolated under the spotlight, name, rank and number were replaced by name, occupation and specialist subject.

There are two rounds of questions, each lasting two minutes.

Specialist subjects are first, followed by the general knowledge round.

Mr Farnell said: “There is no money for the victor — just the kudos of being recognised as the UK’s Mastermind and the Caithness Glass Trophy.”

l To book a slot call 0161 244 4153 or 07717 539766.

tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk