Mike Billson

Widely regarded as one of Britain's top quiz players, Mike Billson was a relief milkman when he first appeared on Mastermind and is currently a freelance proofreader. He won his heat in the 1987 series with 'The American Indian Wars 1860-90' and took 'The Life of Manfred von Richthofen' in the semi-final, which he also won. For the final he reverted to his original subject and finished on 31 as runner-up to Jeremy Bradbrooke.

Mike appeared on Fifteen-to-One in 1988 and progressed to the last three of his heat; he returned to this programme in 1999 and this time reached the Grand Final. He was also the Brain of Britain champion in 1992 (beating Kevin Ashman by one point in the semi-final), having been a finalist in 1989. Mike's father Tom Billson appeared on Mastermind in 1988.