Pointless' ratings determined by which minister gives daily coronavirus briefing

Quiz show Pointless’s ratings fluctuate depending on which politician takes to the podium for the Government’s daily briefings.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock draws fewer viewers when he heads the crisis update and leads to more watching the BBC2 programme.

But Chancellor Rishi Sunak proves a tough opponent to beat.

Richard Osman, 49, who hosts the daily quiz, which airs at 5:15pm, admits: “Pointless is definitely getting a new audience, although we’re up against Boris Johnson or Matt Hancock sometimes.

“If it’s Matt Hancock, our ratings shoot up, but when it’s Rishi Sunak, we’re in trouble.

"He’s very much the Bradley Walsh of the Cabinet.”

Pointless is often pitted against ITV’s The Chase, presented by Walsh.

Speaking to the Radio Times, fellow host Alexander Armstrong, 50, explained the increase in popularity of quizzes.

He said: “We’re spending an awful lot of time inside our heads. For some people, that’s a nice place to be, and for some, it’s a very difficult place to be. A quiz show distracts you.

“You can’t be worrying as much if you’re trying to think of an African country.”

Richard, who created the show’s format, has advised families putting together their own quizzes.

He said: “Don’t ask too many questions with specific answers.

“‘Which South American country won the first World Cup?’ – you can at least chat and guess.”