Secret Genius is a new competition series that sees adults from all walks of life go on an ‘incredible journey of self-discovery’ by competing in a set of immersive intelligence games, and the show‘s producers are currently in the process of casting a group of clever individuals who have what it takes to go all the way.
According to Mensa UK, hundreds of thousands of people may be going about their daily lives unaware of just how intelligent they actually are.
This may be someone who’s always found puzzles, following complex instructions or directions easier than those around them but never understood why, or someone who feels that their natural abilities were misunderstood or overlooked at school or in their working life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Channel 4 is looking for ‘secret genius’ Mancs to take part in a new competition show / Credit: NCI (via Unsplash) | Freepik
It may be someone who feels their input is dismissed by people when it shouldn’t be, or maybe just someone who’s curious to find out more about their potential brain power.
If this sounds like you, applications for Secret Genius are now open and you could come face to face with the show’s famous presenter duo, Alan Carr and Susie Dent, as the put you and your fellow contestants to the test.
ADVERTISEMENT
The selected participants will take part in a series of heats, and have the chance to progress to the finals where one lucky person will lift the Secret Genius trophy.
A casting call on the Channel 4 website reads: “Do you suspect that you have a brilliant mind but feel that your intelligence has been underestimated or misunderstood at home, at school or at work? Pass the word on. Maybe you have a friend, family member or colleague whose brainpower constantly amazes you – then give them a nudge to apply.”
Fancy it then? If you’d consider yourself to be a brainbox, then you can find the T&Cs and apply to take part in Secret Genius on the Channel 4 website here.
Featured Image – Melanie Deziel (via Unsplash)
TV & Showbiz
Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Manchester for first time in 50 years
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester will become the new host city for the TV Festival from 2027 onwards it was announced today.
For the first time in five decades, following an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process – which was launched in 2025 – the prestigious festival is set to move from its home in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to our region from 2027 onwards, beating out other major northern cities like Newcastle in the process.
As part of a UK-wide strategic review into the event’s long-term future, the Festival’s board of directors say the review was undertaken in order to ‘examine how the TV Festival could continue to grow’ amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the television industry.
Greater Manchester‘s ‘successful and comprehensive’ bid included commitments around affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential.
Plans include holding the Festival in locations in the newly developed St. John’s creative and cultural district.
“Greater Manchester presented a vision for the Festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates,” commented Campbell Glennie, who is the CEO of the TV Festival and The TV Foundation.
“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the Festival as well as the cost of passes.
“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance – it gives us the strongest platform to grow the Festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said being chosen as TV Festival hosts is ‘brilliant news’ for Greater Manchester, adding: “It speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.”
The final Edinburgh edition of the TV Festival will take place this August, and dates and further details for the TV Festival in 2027 will be shared later this year.
Emily Sergeant -
28th January 2026 
