Hit BBC primetime gameshow Pointless is set to return to filming later this year and applications for contestants to appear on the new series is now open.
Pointless first hit screens in the UK back in 2009 and it’s been a mainstay of BBC tea time television ever since.
Pointless co-host and resident ‘know-it-all’ Richard Osman confirmed via his newsletter earlier this month that: “[They] will be filming 226 new episodes of Pointless and Pointless Celebrities, starting later this year” and added that he is “very excited to be getting back into the studio with my lovely colleague and friend, Xander.”
He also took to Twitter this week to recruit members of the public into submitting an application and to get fans of the show excited for the new series.
His tweet read: “Would you like to be on telly? Have you heard of Vanuatu? Would you like to see how nice Alexander Armstrong is IN REAL LIFE?
ADVERTISEMENT
“Applications for the next series of Pointless are now open.”
Would you like to be on telly? Have you heard of Vanuatu? Would you like to see how nice Alexander Armstrong is IN REAL LIFE? Applications for the next series of Pointless are now open. All your questions answered here…https://t.co/jH0o270gfV
A statement on the application process published to the BBC Pointless website also reads: “Could you trust your mum, brother, housemate, or your partner to help you win big under pressure? We would love to hear from pairs of fun, lively people who think they can take up the Pointless challenge.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Alongside the application process, you’ll also need to send in a recent photo or video of yourself and your fellow applicant.
Competing pairs can be of any relation to each other, but all applicants must be over 18 years of age and a current legal resident of the United Kingdom.
BBC / Pointless
The closing date for applications is Monday 1st February 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
Whilst you do have up until the above date to get your application in, it does confirm on the Pointless website that auditions for the next series are due to begin taking place over the coming weeks, so members of the public are encouraged to apply now.
There’s no time like the present.
Although no starting dates for the new series have been confirmed yet, Richard himself reckons that they could be back in the studio (minus a live audience) in November, and will be able to welcome audiences again in the new year.
Do you think you’re clever enough for the challenge then? Fancy walking away with a “coveted Pointless trophy” and a potential cash prize?
You can apply to be a contestant on the next series of Pointless here.
Trending
Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
Trending
Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
25th August 2020 
