They can't be serious - it's McEnroe

Martin McGlown13 April 2012

Tennis legend John McEnroe has launched a career as a TV game show host, presenting contestants with the "ultimate test in self control". McEnroe? Self control? You cannot be serious!

American broadcaster ABC has ploughed huge resources into the show, which it hopes will out-serve Anne Robinson's The Weakest Link in the latest battle for US audience figures.

McEnroe - whose fame as one of the greatest players of all time was matched by his 'superbrat' tendency to blow his top at umpires - has been given a prime-time slot for The Chair.

Billed as "the show where your heartbeat is your worst enemy", a contestant is strapped to a black chair - similar in design to the electric chair - and attached to a heart monitor.

McEnroe then fires in the questions. If the questions are answered correctly, without exceeding a predetermined heart rate, the contestant wins big money and stays in the game.

However, if the wrong answers are given and heart rate accelerates, the contestant will slowly lose cash and drop out of the game.

In addition to the questions, surprises throughout the encounter will catch contestants off guard and further encourage them to break a sweat under the spotlight.

An ABC spokesman said: "The Chair capitalises on McEnroe's competitive nature and intense persona. To say he will be setting out to give contestants a difficult time is an understatement."

The Weakest Link, which is screened by rival network NBC, has caused a sensation in the States after its ratings triumph for the BBC. It could make £30million in the next decade as its format is sold to broadcasters around the world.

Ms Robinson's meteoric rise as the "queen of nastiness" has made her one of the highest paid women on TV.

ABC hopes McEnroe, who won 17 grand slam championships during his amazing singles and doubles career, will appeal to a younger audience.

McEnroe's previous TV appearances have been confined to tennis commentating and guest appearances as himself on several series.

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