Heat Four

The latest four contestants to take on the challenge of TV’s toughest quiz were a diverse group. Oxford University maths graduate Ed Brims may have been hoping for a numbers-based test, but this week’s word game ‘Kryptogram’, did not play to his strengths. Army Medical Officer Mike Smith thrived under pressure in the Kube to take an early lead.

None of the contestants shone in the Observation round, with only IT Analyst Joel Wrigley making it through with a positive score. Ed, meanwhile, found himself languishing at the bottom of the leaderboard, tied with PE Teacher Vicky Jones.

Out on the gruelling assault course, Vicky managed to uphold her fitness credentials by finishing second to a very surprised winner, Ed. With everything to play for in the final round, General Knowledge, only two players were able to increase their score. Ed gained the most points to snatch his place in the semi-final. Second-placed Joel was gracious in defeat, admitting that Ed was "the better man on the day".

The Contestants

  1. Ed Brims

    Score 27
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    Oxford graduate Ed, 26, from London, is a Software Developer. Outside of work, he writes treasure hunts around London. He thinks his problem-solving ability will put him ahead in the competition.

    • Mental Agility. 7
    • Observation. -2
    • Physical Ability. 10
    • General Knowledge. 9
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  2. Joel Wrigley

    Score 23
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    Joel, 32, is an IT Analyst from Blackpool. War-gaming is one of his hobbies, and he is a competitive character who sees his appearance on the show as "going into battle".

    • Mental Agility. 6
    • Observation. 1
    • Physical Ability. 4
    • General Knowledge. 5
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  3. Mike Smith

    Score 15
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    Mike, 28, is an Army Medical Officer from Ellesmere Port. He is used to thinking on his feet in a high-pressure environment, and says that his Army colleagues will be the first to tease him if he puts in a below-par performance.

    • Mental Agility. 9
    • Observation. -1
    • Physical Ability. 2
    • General Knowledge. -1
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  4. Vicky Jones

    Score 14
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    PE Teacher Vicky, 30, is from Kendall. She believes the skills she uses every day in her job, such as staying calm under pressure and being organised, will help her in the competition.

    • Mental Agility. 4
    • Observation. 0
    • Physical Ability. 6
    • General Knowledge. 0
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