CHESS MASTERS: SUE PERKINS CONFIRMED TO HOST NEW BBC TWO SERIES

The BBC has announced Sue Perkins as host of new BBC Two series Chess Masters. Across eight episodes, passionate and highly-skilled players from all backgrounds will battle it out across a series of rapid chess games before one will be crowned the title of Chess Master.

Chess is the fastest growing sport in the world, was the most watched game on Twitch in 2021, and the most downloaded app from the iPhone store in February 2023.

With six million regular players in the UK, 605 million adults playing regularly across the world, and celebrity fans including Anthony Joshua, Madonna, Will Smith and Lily Cole, chess is becoming a global phenomenon.

Sue says: “I’m so excited to be hosting Chess Masters, where twelve talented amateurs from across Britain are pitted against one another in the world’s oldest game.

“It’s all about psychology, strategy, smart thinking, and nerves of steel. Chess that is, not my job (which usually involves the opposite). I’m there to help us understand what’s going on in the players’ heads and make sense of what’s happening on the board. We’ve been waiting over 30 years to see chess back on our TV screens. Chess Masters will make that wait worth while.”

In addition, keep an eye on proceedings and providing expert commentary will be three-time British chess champion and grandmaster David Howell; and expert chess coach and former Traitors contestant Anthony Mathurin.

David says: “I'm extremely excited to be part of Chess Masters. Chess has been a huge part of my life, and I cannot wait to invite viewers into the subtleties and intrigues of the game, as well as introducing them to the chess community. We have the perfect selection of contestants, reflecting the fact that chess is a game for everyone.

“It will be an honour to work alongside Sue, Anthony, Curve Media, and the BBC to bring chess to UK screens for the first time in decades!”

Anthony says: “I am exhilarated and incredibly excited to showcase and deep dive into the intense inner psychological battle of competitive chess with a twist of the unexpected. Let the games begin!”

Chess Masters (w/t) an 8x30’ series for BBC Two and iPlayer.