The Easiest Quiz: Sandy the quiz writer
Sandy from Bristol joined after publishing a book of alphabet-based quiz questions.
She had begun writing a weekly quiz while in hospital four years earlier. Each edition contained 26 questions, with every answer beginning with a different letter of the alphabet and a mix of general knowledge and cryptic clues suitable for people aged 13 and above.
Sandy described herself as a “right keener” for quizzes and said Radio 2 remained on around the clock, including while she slept. She could often tell what time she had woken during the night from the programme that was playing.
Her professional experience created extra pressure, but the Easiest Quiz continued to value speed over the ability to construct more sophisticated questions.
Russell Watson
Russell Watson joined Scott at 8.30, introduced as one of the UK’s most successful classical recording artists.
The conversation covered his voice, live performance and the unusual path that had taken him from singing in working men’s clubs to major international stages.
Russell discussed the discipline involved in protecting a powerful voice and the difference between preparing for classical material and popular songs.
Scott also asked about the public perception of classical crossover and why Russell had always been comfortable moving between genres.
Hit It
Scott then placed Russell inside Hit It, the programme’s form of unknown karaoke.
Russell heard familiar songs but was not given the lyrics. He had to continue each one using memory, instinct or whatever words arrived first.
One listener who had switched from Radio 4 said they had not expected to hear Russell Watson attempting Anastacia on karaoke and was enjoying the experience.
The game worked because Russell possessed the voice to make almost anything sound impressive, even when the words were incomplete or completely wrong.
The Birthday Game
Tuesday’s Birthday Game offered another listener three number-one songs before Scott returned to preparations for Radio 2 in the Park.
2 September 2025: Vernon Kay
The handover revisited Russell’s karaoke and the growing excitement in Chelmsford ahead of the weekend.
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