Random Rewind: Benchmark, Channel 4

Random Rewind: we look back at some the best, and occasionally worst, entertainment shows from the past decade.

Benchmark

2015, Channel 4

Benchmark was a Channel 4 daytime gameshow format hosted by Paddy McGuinness – where one contestant could take home thousands of pounds, with the help from 10 members of the Great British Public aka ‘Benchmarkers’.

The series aired 30 episodes in the last quarter of 2015. It was recorded at MediaCity in Manchester in June 2015.

In the quiz, the ‘Benchmarkers’ must answer a series of tricky numerical general knowledge questions, their answers set the benchmark and then all the contestant has to do is decide whether the correct answer is higher or lower.

As well as helping, and hopefully not hindering, the contestant – the ‘Benchmarkers’ are also in their own battle to be top of the leaderboard to play for cash on the next show.

As well as the 'normal' version, Channel 4 had commissioned a week of celebrity specials. One celebrity contestant on each show could've made up to £50,000 for their chosen charity, with the help from the 10 celebrity ‘Benchmarkers’.

The line-up of Benchmarkers included Jimmy Carr, Vic Reeves, John Thomson, Mark Watson, Joey Essex, James Haskell, Lesley Joseph, Amanda Byram, Edwina Currie and Jason Byrne.

The show did not return for a second series.