Mastermind is back with the first of this year's 64 contenders, who tonight set out to see who can become 'Mastermind 1988'.

The season opens at the University of Exeter when the first four of the contenders from the west and south of England meet in the Great Hall to decide who wins the first place in the semi-finals.

Julian Loring (school bursar) - The life and career of Admiral of the Fleet, the Earl of St Vincent

Mildred Pugsley (retired nurse teacher) - The British Thoroughbred

Mike Rice (freelance journalist) - The history of the Duchy of Burgundy 1363-1477

Chris Hudson (clergyman) - The life and times of Dunstan 909-988