Michael Formby

Photograph courtesy of Radio Times

A chartered surveyor from Aintree, Liverpool, who appeared on Mastermind in 1986, winning his heat with 'The History of the Epsom Derby from 1780' and his semi-final with 'The History and Architecture of Lincoln Cathedral from 1072'. The latter choice apparently prompted the Dean to invite the Mastermind team to the cathedral to hold the semi-finals there in the following year! For the final, Michael reverted to his initial subject and lost to Jennifer Keaveney. Like his fellow 1986 finalist Philip McDonald, Michael played in the Merseyside Quiz League.