CLARE BALDING is leading the search for Britain’s Brightest on BBC1, in which 24 ordinary people with extraordinary minds compete on Saturday nights in a new series.

The knockout tournament will seek to test the brain by examining everything from emotional intelligence to processing speed. The contestant with the best allround mind will be crowned champion, having conquered a series of demanding challenges and puzzles staged in the studio and on location.

Auditions are under way and hopeful applicants must face a series of tough aptitude tests before being invited to the studio to compete. The series will air early next year.