Comedian Dave tries Mastermind black chair (From The Bolton News)

Comedian Dave tries Mastermind black chair

12:18pm Tuesday 28th November 2006 in

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COMEDIAN Dave Spikey is getting serious for the New Year - in the black Mastermind chair.

Dave will be seen by millions on the New Year's Eve quiz programme when his specialist subject will be human blood.

The former haematologist, who worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said: "It was the scariest time of my life - after taking my driving test."

The BBC One show, which has already been recorded, sees Dave up against radio presenter Matthew Wright, children's TV presenter Josie D'Arby and Yorkshire chef Brian Turner.

Dave, who switched on Bolton's Christmas lights on Sunday, said: "I was up fourth in the first round. It really is a long walk to the Mastermind chair. I was shaking. I have done lots of stand up but this is totally different. It was very difficult to focus and you have to answer very quickly."

Although he is sworn to secrecy about the final result, he did reveal that he came top after the specialist round with 15 points.

Dave took part in the show to raise cash for Animal Asian Rescue, to save Asiatic "moon" bears which are farmed for their bile for use in Chinese medicines.

"I have been raising money for a while. Recently the charity phoned me up to say they had rescued one of the bears and they have called it Spikey."