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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’

Brainiacs, this one's for you.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 25th September 2026

Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.

That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.

Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.

In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.

A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.

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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC

The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.

“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.

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“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”

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Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.

Find out more and apply here.

Featured Image – BBC

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Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.

With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.

Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.

Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.

It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.

Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.

There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.

Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied

“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.

“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.

“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”

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The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.

Featured Image – Supplied

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Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Woman driving a car

The UK’s most challenging driving locations have been revealed, according to new data… and isn’t good news for Manchester.

No matter whether you’re a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, some roads can test even the most confident of motorists.

From congestion and poor road conditions, to limited parking and higher incident rates, it’s fair to say that some areas make driving more stressful.

But which parts of the UK are the hardest to drive in?

Well, in a bid to answer that question, MoneySuperMarket has analysed a whole host of data – such as road infrastructure, road safety, road conditions, vehicle crime concerns, and insurance-related trends – for 58 UK cities, boroughs, and local authorities to create a drivability score and discover the locations that drivers find most stressful. 

Woman driving a car
Manchester has been named one of the most ‘stressful’ places to drive in the UK / Credit: Manchester City Council | pxfuel

Manchester, unfortunately, claimed third place on the list of top 10 most challenging locations for drivers – with an overall drivability score of 25 out of 100.

Other northern cities and towns like Leeds, Preston, Blackpool, Bradford, Wakefield, and Oldham have founded themselves in the top 10 too, meaning the North West is sadly the most-represented area.

Top 10 Most Challenging Locations For Drivers

  1. Croydon
  2. Derby
  3. Manchester
  4. Leeds
  5. Preston
  6. Birmingham
  7. Blackpool
  8. Bradford
  9. Wakefield
  10. Oldham

The findings also reflect some of the concerns drivers experience on the road, with more than a third of motorists (34%) saying they have avoided driving because they were travelling in an unfamiliar area, while almost a third (32%) have chosen not to drive due to heavy traffic or congestion.

Dealing with impatient or aggressive drivers was the most commonly cited source of stress, with almost two-thirds of motorists (65%) saying they find situations such as tailgating and beeping stressful. 

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“Driving is part of everyday life for millions of people, but our research shows just how much stress and uncertainty it can bring,” commented Alicia Hempsted, who is a Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket.

“Particularly in areas where there are more incidents recorded, car-related thefts are more common, or where there is heavier traffic or less familiar roads.”

Featured Image – pxfuel

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