Nathan Wright, the winner of Channel 4's Secret Genius, has quit his civil service job after being crowned one of Britain's cleverest people. The 27-year-old from Carlisle said the victory gave him the confidence to leave his role and pursue new opportunities.
Wright, who earned a first-class degree in physics from Lancaster University, admitted he had long felt overlooked because of his background. 'I found there were people that looked down on me because I'm a guy who sounds a bit rough, who likes the football and having a few drinks with my mates,' he said. 'It knocks you when people treat you like that.'
The win, which saw him beat Welsh pharmacist Amy Morris in the final, has provided him with validation. 'I've had this massive reassurance that those people literally weren't right,' he said. 'I like to think of them watching it and seeing me win and being annoyed about it. That makes me feel really good.'
Wright, a Carlisle United fan, now aims to become his own boss. 'Whether it's having my own company or just having a role where I'm offered that level of independence, I think that has to be the goal,' he said.
He also praised the camaraderie among contestants, saying they bonded unexpectedly well. 'We're a bit weird in different ways, but that's all right,' he added. The show, hosted by Alan Carr and Susie Dent, will return for a second series after the first proved a hit.
