Semi-Final One

The first Krypton Factor semi-final was an exciting contest between determined competitors. The winners of the first four heats went head-to-head in a close-fought battle for a place in the 2010 final. Research Mathematician James O’Driscoll was an early favourite, as he had achieved an amazing Krypton Factor of 36 in his qualifying heat.

James put on a good show in the first round to narrowly beat fellow maths graduate Ed Brims. Ed managed to reverse this result out on the brutal Assault Course, overtaking James on the final obstacle, the Raft Pull, to snatch a valuable 10 points.

James' nerves started to show in a tense General Knowledge round, where he anticipated questions incorrectly, buzzing in too quickly and losing points. This left the door open for Ed to breeze past and finish in the lead with a Krypton Factor of 25. James was disappointed with his performance, and was not hopeful his score of 21 will be enough to gain him a ‘fastest loser’ place in the final. Ed, meanwhile, was excited to get through, saying it was "way beyond" his expectations. He now plans to "give it everything" in the 2010 Krypton Factor final.

The Contestants

  1. Ed Brims

    Score 25
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    Ed, 26, from London, is a Software Developer. He has a degree in Maths from Oxford University, and says there is great Oxbridge rivalry between him and James O’Driscoll, who studied Maths at Cambridge.

    • Mental Agility. 5
    • Observation. -3
    • Physical Ability. 10
    • General Knowledge. 7
    close

  2. James O'Driscoll

    Score 21
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    James, 23, is a Research Mathematician from Worcester. He thinks the Mental Agility round will be his best. He also wants to impress his Dad, who was a Krypton Factor contestant in 1990.

    • Mental Agility. 5
    • Observation. -2
    • Physical Ability. 6
    • General Knowledge. 1
    close

  3. Martin Golding

    Score 20
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    Martin, 39, is a Local Councillor from Bristol. He says he is “reasonably confident” about the assault course, but expects stiff competition from the younger contestants.

    • Mental Agility. 3
    • Observation. 5
    • Physical Ability. 4
    • General Knowledge. 2
    close

  4. Gaynor Thomas

    Score 13
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    Gaynor, 46, is a Library Assistant from Carmarthenshire. As the oldest contestant, and the only woman, she thinks her rivals may underestimate her. She wants to prove them wrong.

    • Mental Agility. 2
    • Observation. 0
    • Physical Ability. 2
    • General Knowledge. 3
    close