Fraserburgh’s James Davidson has made it to the Mastermind grand final – after powering through a “thumping headache” to qualify.
The 29-year-old, who now lives in Aberdeen, dazzled audiences when he appeared on the show in January to answer questions about Nicole Kidman.
James came out on top, securing himself a place in the semi-finals – and his next appearance came on Monday March 27.
Last night he answered questions on a monarch who very little was known about until recently: the troubled Queen Anne.
What happened on James Davidson’s latest Mastermind appearance?
James notched up nine points on the first round, which was all about the monarch.
Being grilled on Queen Anne, he answered various questions on her reign between 1702 and 1714.
In tonight's semi-final: Darren Ross, Alison Rose, Sam Swift & James Davidson, answering questions on: The @OfficialPDC World Darts Championship, The History of Transportation to Australia, Parks and Recreation @parksandrec & Queen Anne. Tune in at 8pm on BBC2. #Mastermind pic.twitter.com/x0FijHN5qL
— Mastermind (@MastermindQuiz) March 27, 2023
But he was third out of four contestants as the deciding general knowledge round got under way.
And what’s more, James revealed to us today that he was battling a “thumping headache” as he took his place in the famous leather armchair…
But the brainy Brocher managed to correctly answer questions on Italian regions, Idris Elba, Captain Pugwash and cognac as he more than doubled his overall score to 20.
It was a barnstorming performance, but James couldn’t his his shock as the results were announced.
The runner-up scored 19, meaning he just pipped her to the post.
What happens next?
The grand final was filmed in November, and will be screened in the coming weeks.
His specialist subject next time?
It’ll be Emperor Augustus – the first Roman emperor who reigned from 27 BC until his death in AD 14.
James, who appeared wearing a shirt emblazoned with tigers and snakes, was asked if his vibrant wardrobe choices were something of a lucky charm…
But the DC Thomson advertising worker explained that colourful clothing is his everyday style, whether he’s appearing on telly or at his desk in Marischal Square.
Why Queen Anne?
He recorded the semi-final in September.
James didn’t know much about Queen Anne until she was the subject of the Oscar-winning 2018 film The Favourite, starring Olivia Coleman.
But after seeing the movie, which detailed her life of mental and physical illness, he became fascinated with the tragic figure.
James explained: “I read a biography to find out more.
“She was very interesting, and quite misunderstood at the time, but is now going through a bit of a reappraisal.”
James was delighted to learn that one of the few portraits of Queen Anne belongs to Aberdeen City Council – and is on display in the Town House.
‘This felt more like an exam’
However, he acknowledges that reading up about the historic ruler was a tougher task than watching Nicole Kidman films…
He said: “I was more nervous for the specialist subject this time… It’s more of a traditional Mastermind topic.
“This felt more like an exam.”
You can watch the semi-final here.
Read more about James’s last TV appearance here:
Nicole Kidman superfan from Fraserburgh shines on Mastermind
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