The oldest game in the world, there are over six million Chess players in the UK at the last estimate. 

It’s been three decades since the game of chess has had a home on mainstream television. In the 1970s and 80s, the BBC used to broadcast tournaments via a show called The Master Game.

Now, with the explosion of reality competition formats based on baking, sewing and even pottery, and just possibly a boost from Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, it seems the time is right: the BBC have just commissioned a new series based around the game.

With the working title of Chess Masters, the eight-part series promises a contest with twelve passionate and highly skilled chess players battling it out across a round of heats and knock out rounds.

Sue Perkins is on hosting duties alongside two experts: three-time British chess champion and grandmaster David Howell and expert chess coach and former Traitors contestant Anthony Mathurin.

Sue Perkins 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.”

David Howell 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 Mathurin adds:

“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 comes from Curve Media for BBC Two and iPlayer. Filmed in Cardiff, the show should air in 2025.