Television presenter Rick Edwards has publicly detailed his unusual and persistent efforts to save his cancelled BBC quiz show, Impossible, while simultaneously securing a high-profile new gig presenting boxing for the corporation.
The Axed Show and The Secret Campaign
Edwards, who hosted the quiz show Impossible for all eight of its seasons from 2017 to 2021, did not take its cancellation lying down. Back in July 2022, he confirmed the show had been dropped by the BBC with a wry comment about "the BBC in its infinite wisdom."
Rather than accept the decision quietly, the 46-year-old presenter took to Instagram to reveal a covert operation to get the show back on air. He shared a photographed page from the Radio Times magazine, boasting that he had finally succeeded in getting a letter published.
He claimed to have been writing to the magazine weekly under the pseudonym 'Sandie Hobley'. The published letter questioned why the BBC had not commissioned more series of Impossible, praising it as "easily the best new quiz format of recent years" and pleading with the broadcaster to bring it back, suggesting it was worthy of an evening slot.
It remains unclear whether Edwards was genuinely behind the letter-writing campaign or simply making a humorous point about his desire to see the show return.
A New Role in the Boxing Ring
Despite the loss of his quiz show, Edwards has maintained a strong presence at the BBC. He was appointed host of BBC Radio 5 Live's sports panel show, Fighting Talk, in August 2023.
His broadcasting portfolio is now expanding into live sports television. Edwards is set to host the boxing action this weekend, which will see Frazer Clarke take on Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva for the vacant British heavyweight title.
The full card is scheduled to air on BBC iPlayer from 6pm until 10pm, with BBC Two providing live coverage from 8pm to 10pm.
Clarke, 34, emphasised the significance of the British title, noting it had been a springboard for legends like Henry Cooper, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury, and Lennox Lewis. He stated he is fully focused on winning the fight against TKV, viewing it as a major step forward in his career.
