Harry Potter is the most popular specialist subject chosen by Mastermind contestants, a producer at the MediaCityUK-filmed quiz has revealed.
Mark Helsby told the Radio Times that a total of 262 people wanted to take the JK Rowling-penned series last year alone.
He also revealed that some shorter series – including Fawlty Towers, Blackadder and Father Ted – have been chosen so many times that they are no longer allowed.
Asked for the most popular subject on the long-running BBC show, he said: “Harry Potter! Last year 262 people wanted to take that as one of their three specialist subjects – only one of them could.
““Some of the shorter sitcom series – Fawlty Towers, Blackadder and Father Ted for example – have been exhausted for new questions.
“Thirty-two people wanted to do Fawlty Towers last year; 19 wanted Blackadder and 22 wanted Father Ted. Some of the very popular literary subjects such as the Chronicles of Narnia or Roald Dahl probably wouldn’t be agreed to for the same reason.”
All contenders must choose three different specialist subjects before they take up their place in the heats.
Mastermind, which has hosted contestants in its famous black chair since 1972, is made at dock10 in MediaCityUK.
