Robert Florence to host GamesMaster
- Burnistoun star Robert Florence has been named as the new host of GamesMaster
- The video games challenge show is being rebooted by E4. Frankie Ward and Ty Logan co-host
- Florence says: "I'm hugely honoured that I've been trusted with ushering a new generation of challengers"
The new series of computer game challenge format GamesMaster will be helmed by Burnistoun star Robert Florence.
Florence, who is currently co-starring in BBC Scotland sitcom The Scotts, will act as the lead presenter on the re-booted version of the video games programme, and also serve as creative consultant on the format.
Outside of comedy writing and acting, Florence works as one half of the UK's longest running online videogame review show, Consolevania.
He'll be joined on GamesMaster by esports and gaming host Frankie Ward, and presenting newcomer Ty Logan.
GamesMaster, one of the first dedicated video gaming TV shows, originally ran from 1992 to 1998. Patrick Moore appeared as the GamesMaster (a disembodied head who issued challenges and judged performances), with Dominik Diamond hosting all but one of the series. Diamond recently appeared on Richard Herring's podcast to reflect on the success of the show, and the anarchic spirit of the programme.
The producers say: "This new incarnation is continuing in the same punk, off the wall style of the original."
Talking about the reboot further, Channel 4 confirms: "The series will see celebrities, gaming stars and super fans all take part in challenges, races and epic fights. Through virtual battles across a range of games, the competitors will try everything in their power to claim a legendary Golden Joystick Trophy. But whilst they play, they'll be watched over by the all-knowing GamesMaster. The face of the GamesMaster will be revealed in due course."
Florence says: "I'm hugely honoured that I've been trusted with ushering a new generation of challengers to their glory or humiliation, under the unflinching gaze of the GamesMaster. I look forward to finding out how much I can get away with."
Three new episodes of GamesMaster will initially be produced, funded by an advertising deal with Facebook's Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset. The episodes will be published on E4's YouTube channel, followed by a broadcast on E4 itself.