Watch Distraction

Distraction was a British game show that aired on Channel 4 from 2003 to 2004, hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr. The show was focused on testing the concentration and knowledge of its contestants, with a range of bizarre and often ridiculous challenges designed to throw them off course.

Each episode would begin with four contestants, who would compete in a series of rounds. The first round involved answering general knowledge questions, with each correct answer earning the contestant points. However, the contestants had to also contend with distractions, such as having to juggle while answering or being bombarded with strange noises.

The second round was the 'physical challenge', which saw the contestants competing against each other in a bizarre task such as trying to hit a moving target while riding a skateboard, or racing against each other on giant hamster wheels.

The third round was the infamous 'mental torture', in which the contestants were subjected to various distractions and had to complete a task such as solving an anagram, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, or counting flashing lights. The distractions ranged from bouncy castles and paintball guns to loud music and flashing lights, making it incredibly difficult for contestants to focus.

Finally, the remaining two contestants would face off in the 'head-to-head' round, in which they would answer questions while being subjected to a final, even more extreme distraction such as being covered in slime or having a bucket of ice water poured over their head.

Throughout the show, host Jimmy Carr would frequently interject with his trademark brand of acerbic wit, making cutting remarks about the contestants and their struggles. He also often participated in the challenges himself, sometimes even dressing up in ridiculous costumes to do so.

One of the highlights of the show was its set design, which featured a giant wheel of fortune that displayed the names of each contestant. When a contestant was eliminated they would be dramatically removed from the wheel, often in a humorous fashion.

Distraction was known for its irreverent sense of humour and over-the-top challenges, as well as for its unpredictable format. Each round would be different from the last, and viewers never knew what kind of madness they would be subjected to next. It also had a reputation for being somewhat controversial, due to the extreme nature of some of its challenges.

Despite its cult following, Distraction only lasted two seasons before being cancelled by Channel 4. Nevertheless, it remains a beloved classic of British game show history, famous for its outrageous antics and inventive challenges.