A contestant on BBC quiz programme The Finish Line has revealed the behind-the-scenes reality of appearing on the show, including a health and safety rule. The game show made its debut in 2023, with Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene serving as co-hosts.
Reddit Revelations
A contestant from an episode filmed in March 2025 took to Reddit to reveal rules and behind-the-scenes show secrets. The Finish Line features five participants battling through four rounds, with one final player remaining at the end to compete for a £5,000 prize. Competitors cross the finish line to stay in contention while tackling rapid-fire questions and facing off in categories such as Pictures and Missing Letters, all while standing on moving podiums that travel along racetrack lanes.
Contestant Experience
Opening up about their experience on the show, a former contestant shared: "All presenters/crew on TFL were absolutely amazing and so lovely." When one person remarked that standing on the podium "looks so goofy and fun", he responded: "It does feel very goofy - you can gesture and a lot do in celebration as they reach the Finish Line and progress to the next round. I was too 'locked in' and focused on the questions to think about gesturing."
He added: "I recall a guy from the series I was on who was pretty far behind from the others and was flapping his arms about like an idiot whilst riding, as if to say 'ref, what's going on?' Thankfully, he was eliminated fairly early on."
Health and Safety Rule
Revealing what the studio was like and a health and safety rule, he also shared: "All coloured lights, glassy surfaces etc. There are fairly wide gaps in between each podium that you can’t see on this reason - for health and safety reasons, all contestants had to wear flats, no heels!"
Opening up about his experience, he went on: “I was up against a seasoned quiz viewer, a trainee solicitor, a pub quiz host and writer and a Chase champion... I was never gonna win. Lovely bunch, though and a load of fun!” He added in another answer: “I unfortunately did not win - out in the first round, the pressure just got to me! I forgot the name of a right angle.”
Future of the Show
The programme, which is presently broadcasting on weekdays with repeat episodes, was initially announced in 2023, with production taking place in Belfast. The Finish Line is now set to return, with applications currently open for the new series. The BBC teased: “Ready to win big? Can you quiz fast and not come last? Prove it! Beat the track and take home £5000! Join Roman Kemp and Sarah Greene on the exciting new series of The Finish Line! Think you could win the ultimate Quiz Race? Don't miss your chance!” The Finish Line is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
