BBC announces new competition series hitting screens as broadcaster takes fans ‘back to basics’

THE BBC has shared details of a new primetime competition format hitting screens in 2025.

Chess Masters will be broadcast on BBC Two and available to stream on iPlayer in an eight-episode run.

Passionate and highly-skilled chess players from a wide range of backgrounds will face off in a series of rapid-fire chess games.

GettyThe Beeb has shared details of a new primetime competition format[/caption] GettyChess Masters will see talented players face off against one another[/caption]

The ultimate goal is to be crowned Chess Master by the end of the contest.

Camilla Lewis, Executive Producer, Curve Media, said: “Chess Masters has been a joy to develop with the BBC.

“We are delighted to be making this warm, inclusive and clever series where the emotional as well as strategic stakes are high. There is untapped talent out there…

“Amateurs from eight to 80 will get the opportunity to compete with the best and the audience will get unique insights into the psychological and practical gameplay of this age-old but highly accessible game played by all cultures and by people of all kinds.”

The announcement of the new show comes as fans of another BBC show, Race Across The World were ‘delighted’ when an element they ‘couldn’t stand’ was axed.

BBCFans of Race Across The World were ‘delighted’ by a recent change[/caption]

The latest series follows teams given strict rules while travelling across Eastern Asia for a chance to win a life-changing prize.

Participants are asked to leave their smartphones, internet access and bank cards at home while competing to win the £20,000 cash prize.

In a recent episode, many viewers noticed recaps or previews, which are usually included at the start, had been cut.

A viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I’ve never understood the need for a recap.

“Unless it’s to foreground something you might have forgotten about that will suddenly become important.”

Another shared they ‘can’t stand the recaps and previews’ and usually skipped them altogether when they are included in episodes.