After nearly six months of intense competition, the five finalists out of the original 64 contenders now seek the coveted title of Mastermind 1987. The quarterdeck of the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, is the impressive setting for this final, and the winner will receive the specially engraved Caithness glass trophy from Admiral Sir Julian Oswald, Commander-in-Chief, Fleet.

The five contenders are:

Margaret Spiller (civil servant) - The life and times of Emperor Nero, AD37-68

John Crippin (schoolteacher) - BBC Radio comedy, 1940-1970

Jeremy Bradbrooke (general practitioner) - The Crimean War, 1853-56

Jill McFatridge (area reporter) - The life and times of Ferdinand of Aragon, 1452-1516

Mike Billson (milkman) - The American Indian wars, 1850-1890