Sorry, I Didn't Know

Chizzy Akudolu interview

As Sorry, I Didn't Know returns to ITV1 for a fifth series, we talk to the panel show's regular team leader Chizzy Akudolu about the format, her career, and more.

Hi Chizzy. It's 20 years since you made your first TV appearance: playing Melinda in 15 Storeys High. How have the last two decades been for you? Any particular highlights?

I have been extremely blessed over the last 20 years. I've worked with legends from Joanna Lumley, Rudolph Walker, Peter Capaldi and Michael Sheen. I got to play a larger-than-life fairy in Jinx, and a zombie in Dead Set. But my absolute highlight, hands down, is Holby City. That was the most beautiful job, with a fabulous group of people. And I did learn a thing or two about medicine. Can't remember any of it now, though.

You've been a team leader on Sorry, I Didn't Know since it started as a pilot in 2016. For those that haven't seen it yet, could you please describe the format?

Two teams go head-to-head in a battle of black history knowledge, through a series of entertaining rounds, although in our case, it's usually 'lack of knowledge'.

The show is a celebration of the unsung heroes. We all know about Martin Luther King and Harriet Tubman, but did you know that the patent for CCTV was by a black woman named Marie Van Brittan?

Or that the inventor of the doorknob was also African American? A man named Osbourn Dorsey. These are the stories the show highlights, as well as celebrating our modern day heroes.

Thinking back to that first episode, did you presume it'd just be a one-off, or did you have an inkling it would indeed become the long-running format it has?

I honestly thought the show might run to two seasons and then we'd be told 'OK, that's enough, now'. That we'd had our fill. Thing is, we haven't even scratched the surface of the impact that black people have had throughout history. This show could run for many more years, and I hope it does!

The first two series you were pitted against a team led by Judi Love. Since then it's been Eddie Kadi. Who is the harder 'rival'?

I have to say they are both formidable and funny in their own unique ways.

With Judi, it was more like a loving, sibling rivalry. With Eddie, it's more of 'I want to beat you so badly' kind of thing. He came in in Series 3 and won. I thought 'How dare this interloper come in and win straight away?!' I was determined to take the next one and I did.

Fingers crossed for Series 5. Not that I'm super competitive or anything. Side note: I do adore the man, really...

Whilst the show is funny, as you have alluded to it's also educational. Is there any particular fact you've learnt that has really lodged in your brain?

It has to be John Blanke. He was a trumpeter in Henry VII's court and them moved onto Henry VIII's. He asked the then King for a pay rise. Now, I'm thinking Henry was insulted and chopped off this head, but no. John got his raise. There's even a tapestry depicting him playing his instrument. How cool is that? Wish I'd learnt that in school instead of the Scramble for Africa.

Thinking more generally at representation on television, do you have any thoughts?

Representation has definitely improved since my first role in 2004. We're seeing more diversity on our screens from people of colour to differently abled actors. It's great seeing society represented, but we mustn't get complacent. It needs to be the norm, rather than something 'niche'.

Sorry, I Didn't Know is also a career launchpad for those working behind the camera, and demonstrates how easy/smooth it can be for productions to help newcomers gain their first credit?

Absolutely. Take the runners for example. For some of them, this is their first TV credit. We rarely have the same ones each year because they have either moved up within Triforce or are off working on other shows.

It's wonderful to see. Also, new writers get a chance to cut their teeth on our show. Triforce's ethos has always been about giving opportunities to those who wouldn't normally be seen in our industry.

Finally, can you tell us a bit more about what we can expect from this upcoming fifth series?

More laughs, more chaos and more rivalry. There's a new game which I have to say is super clever. It produced a lot of debate and almost took over the whole show.

The guests, as always, are top notch and really throw themselves into it. I shouldn't have favourites, but having my favourite comedian Gina Yashere on my team was a dream!

I also host an episode, which was so much fun. I'd love to host my own show, so if any producers are reading this.... Hiiiiiiiiiii !! ;-)

Sorry, I Didn't Know airs on ITV1 at 11pm on Sunday 17th November.