Friends of Maddie took the February title, their ninth, with Woodentops close behind in second.

But the real star of the night was the picture round. The question each time was: which comics character is Roger being? And there was Roger, the Tom Cobley’s landlord, as Dennis the Menace, Billy Whizz, Roy of the Rovers, Minnie the Minx, Desperate Dan, the Numskulls and Plug from the Bash Street Kids. A man of many talents, and many costumes.

By the numbers

Friends of Maddie have the second-best record in the quiz, and February showed why. And it was good to see Woodentops, winners of the 2024 Christmas Special, back in the top two.

9
wins for Friends of Maddie, out of 36 quizzes
24
top-two finishes for Friends of Maddie
7
comic characters played by Roger
1–1
Maddie v Woodentops when they finish first and second

A flavour of the questions

February opened with a Kids TV round, followed by a Numbers round, a Same Year round (1984 and 2005) and a round on political scandals.

  • Kids TVIn Play School, what was the name of the rag doll with long red and white striped legs?
    Answer: Jemima
  • Kids TVHartley Hare, Pig, Topov and Octavia starred in which show?
    Answer: Pipkins
  • Kids TVWho is the driver of Ivor the Engine?
    Answer: Jones the Steam
  • NumbersHow many problems did Jay-Z have, according to his song?
    Answer: 99
  • General knowledgeIf there was no black ball, what would the maximum break be in snooker?
    Answer: 125
  • General knowledgeHow many cubes are in a Rubik’s cube?
    Answer: 26. There’s nothing in the middle.
  • General knowledgeWhat is the highest EX postcode?
    Answer: EX39, Bideford and around

The wipeout round was Just Williams, from Shakespeare to Billy Connolly, and there was a spelling question that’s tripped up many a quizzer: fluorescent.

The music round: Motown

Ten Motown classics. One point for the artist, one for the song. Hard to sit still for this one.

  • The Tears of a ClownSmokey Robinson and the Miracles
  • Reach Out (I’ll Be There)Four Tops
  • Ain’t No Mountain High EnoughDiana Ross
  • Shop AroundThe Miracles
  • What Becomes of the BrokenheartedJimmy Ruffin
  • Baby LoveThe Supremes
  • Money (That’s What I Want)Barrett Strong
  • Get ReadyThe Temptations
  • Needle in a HaystackThe Velvelettes
  • My GirlThe Temptations

And finally

Next up was March, and the quiz’s third birthday.

Every question from the night is in the questions archive, every winner is on the monthly winners board, and there are more photos in the gallery.