(Dr) Roger Pritchard

The 1976 champion was the first not to be a teacher or lecturer - he was, and still is, a civil servant working for the Department of the Environment in Bristol. He was also the youngest champion so far (marginally beating Elizabeth Horrocks) - in fact, it was a very young final with an average age of 33.

Roger's main subject 'The Life of the Duke of Wellington' was chosen almost by accident - he had been given a biography of the Iron Duke for Christmas and could not think of anything better! It paid off though - having won the semi-final with 'British Warships of the Twentieth Century', he reverted to Wellington for the final and won. He had won Brain of Britain in 1974 and was therefore the first (and for many years the only) person to win both titles - his achievement was eventually emulated by Kevin Ashman.

Roger was modest about his win, considering it to be largely down to luck. However, he recognised the importance of Mastermind as the ultimate television quiz, and he has retired from involvement in all media quizzes since his victory. He is now head of the European Wildlife Division in the Department of the Environment.