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A contestant who made history by scoring the joint worst total on Mastermind claimed today his embarrassing performance was a prank.
Michael Burton got seven points altogether - collecting two out of 13 on his specialist subject angels and five out of 15 in the general knowledge round.
But the 45-year-old from Peckham today said he enjoyed "playing pranks" and was aiming to get the low score because the number seven holds spiritual significance for him.
The gas technician, who has seven children, said: "It's not at all how it seems. I am not a dunce. Far from it. I did all of this deliberately. It was part of a prank.
"I did it because I am into numerology and the number seven has special significance for me. It is also the number of children I have so I wanted to get a point for each of them and involve them in my spiritual journey."
During the latest edition of the BBC2 quiz show, divorced Mr Burton decided to pass on 15 questions, including seven he was supposed to be expert on. His performance equalled the low set by Colin Kidd in 2005.
Mr Burton was stumped by the first question. He answered the second one correctly but then followed a series of uncomfortable silences, passes and incorrect answers.
In the second round he finished 10 points behind the third-placed contestant and 19 points behind the heat winner Barbara Thompson.
Mr Burton's children were born to six mothers and range in age from 11 to 23. He became interested in numerology after appearing on TV series Sky Real Lives: Angels where a studio audience discusses their angelic encounters and spiritualism.
During this experience, he said he discovered how his life was based around "seven stars", each one "linked to a special angel".
He added: "I'm glad I went for the low score as Britain loves a loser and I wanted to have some fun on there."
He said Mastermind had invited him back on the programme despite his pitiful score last Friday. A BBC source said: "Nobody had any knowledge that he was playing a prank."
Reader views (7)
I saw his episode being filmed. It was no way a prank. After the first round of questions when he realised he was making a complete fool out of himself, filming had to be paused while he went off to complain to the producers in hushed tones as the side of the stage area. He looked embarrased and annoyed as anyone in his position would have been. I can understand why he'd make up all this fixation with the number 7 though, simply a feeble attempt to save face.
- Miss Kelly, Manchester UK
You might believe in Angels, mate, but you can't believe anyone is going to fall for this load of old toot.
- David Clark, Port Talbot
Are we supposed to believe this chap? It´s the wrong time of the year for April Fools jokes, tell him. He says "Britain loves a loser". Actually no. Britain loves underdogs and they are not necessarily losers.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Gordon Brown & his boss Mandlespin will be planning to invite him into his "Goats" (Government of All The Talents) - anybody that can be that stupid and then "spin" the outcome to create the impression that it was all an intentions prank must be good Labour ministerial material!!
- Malcolm, London
What a plonker.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
So why didn't he:
In the first(memory)round get the first seven questions right and then pass the rest?
Get seven in the general knowledge round, as even to numerologist 13 is unlucky.
Personally I reckon he just flunked it, but fair play to getting on the show in the first place.
- Mark, South-East London
7 is also his IQ. Angels indeed.
- Squiz, Islington
