Clare Balding to lead the search for Britain’s Brightest on BBC One

TV Presenter and star of the BBC's Olympics coverage Clare Balding will host brand new BBC One prime-time entertainment show Britain’s Brightest, produced by RDF Television.

Britain’s Brightest will see 24 ordinary people with extraordinary minds do battle on Saturday nights in a new, smart BBC One series. The knockout tournament will seek to test the brain by examining everything from emotional intelligence to processing speed. The contestant with the best all-round mind will be crowned champion, having conquered a series of demanding challenges and puzzles staged in studio and on location.

Auditions are already underway and hopeful applicants must face a series of tough aptitude tests before being invited to the studio to compete. Balding will begin filming Britain’s Brightest later this year at MediaCityUK in Salford. The 4x75-minute and 2x60-minute series is set to air in early 2013

Clare Balding said: “I have always said that 'facts are my friend' but knowing things doesn't make you clever. I am fascinated by the brain - how it works and how it can be improved. I am so excited to be given the opportunity to explore and test intelligence in a format that will be fun, informative and entertaining. The quest to find Britain's Brightest will inspire all of us.”

Hopeful applicants should email Brightest@RDFTelevision.com for more information.