Brighton-based comedian Zoe Lyons is back to present a new series of the quiz show Lightning.

Lyons has recently opened up about her hair loss. She wears a "TV wig" when she appears on screen. Before then she appeared on Have o Got News For You? in a beanie hat.

She told the Mirror: "I’ve quite enjoyed the cliche of being a game-show host in my shiny suit, having my bald patches painted in by a make-up artist.” 

Lyons noticed that she had a hair problem soon afer the start of the pandemic. “A lot of dermatologists and doctors will tell you that alopecia is an autoimmune disease and kick back against the idea that alopecia is stress related, but I know that, for me, it is. I mean, nobody has had a glorious two years, but I had various things that were going on at the time that were very traumatic and stressful. The pandemic meant I wasn’t working and staying home all the time made my domestic life quite difficult, so my wife Sindy and I separated for a while – though I’m happy to say we are back together again now."

Lightning sees the traditional quiz show collide with gameshow, in a fast-paced and frantic format designed to leave contestants’ nerves in tatters.

Six challengers battle it out across six adrenaline-pumping rounds while a ruthless spotlight patrols the studio eliminating contestants.

The challengers’ motivation is simple: do whatever it takes to stay out of the light.

With dramatic lightning and a thundering soundtrack, Lightning will combine quickfire questions with physical trials while Lyons supports contestants as they strive to reach the ultimate goal of £3,000 prize money.

Zoe Lyons says: “It’s incredibly exciting to be the host of Lightning. It’s a dream job for me as I’m a massive quiz fan and - unlike the contestants - I love being in the spotlight.”

Lightning, BBC Two from Monday, March 14, 6.30pm.

Zoe Lyons Picture: BBC/Niceone/Fizz