Krypton Factor 'set for comeback'

The Krypton Factor was hosted by Gordon Burns for 18 years

TV game show The Krypton Factor could make a comeback after the BBC's entertainment head named it as the next TV "gem" that should be revived.

The Krypton Factor, which put contestants through rigorous physical and mental tests, was a fixture in the ITV schedule from 1977 to 1995.

Wayne Garvie, head of the BBC's Entertainment Group, described it as "one of the great shows".

Mr Garvie is credited with successfully reinventing Come Dancing.

"The Krypton Factor is the next great gem of British broadcasting that should come back," he said.

Mr Garvie was the last producer of The Krypton Factor before it was scrapped.

'Definitely interested'

He has succeeded in turning classic favourite Come Dancing into modern hits Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly Dance Fever.

The Krypton Factor featured a string of tough challenges including mental agility, physical ability and general knowledge, involving puzzles, aeroplane simulators and assault courses.

A BBC spokeswoman said Mr Garvie was "definitely interested in the show".

"He was saying it's time to bring it back... and was very complimentary about it," she said.

Repeats of the original version, hosted by Gordon Burns, are currently shown on UK digital channel Challenge.

The BBC has also revived classic shows such as Doctor Who, Mastermind and University Challenge.

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Would you like to see The Krypton Factor make a comeback? What changes should be made to the format? Who should present it? What are your memories of the original?

This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.

Gordon Burns is a true gent Paul Kilby, Merchant City, Glasgow

I was a contestant on the Krypton Factor in the early 1980s and, despite crashing the aeroplane and getting stuck in a tyre on the assault course (I couldn't finish the race), I would love to see it back. I may even give it another go. Gordon Burns is a true gent.
Paul Kilby, Merchant City, Glasgow

The BBC has been very successful in bringing back old shows, whether they are dramas such as Dr Who and Auf Pet, or quiz shows like University Challenge and Mastermind. I hope that host Gordon Burns returns. He is now a household name in the North West, being the face of the news in the region.
Dan Evans, Southport

I watched the Krypton factor religiously as a kid, am now 24 and I can honestly say it would be a most welcomed return for a classic show, especially with a face-lift. Although it would be awesome to feature the old theme tune (maybe slightly modernised!)
Damien Bromage, Leicester

It was enjoyable to watch people fail miserably Oliver Wright, Cambs, UK

It was great entertainment and should return. In my opinion, none of the current quiz shows (except 'Millionaire') have the big audience appeal of the Krypton Factor. It challenged not only the contestant's knowledge of trivia but also tested physical endurance and mental ability. It was enjoyable to watch people fail miserably at some aspects, usually the assault course, then pull back the lead in other tests.
Oliver Wright, Cambs, UK

If it wasn't for The Krypton Factor, we wouldn't have programmes like Crystal Maze, Dog Eat Dog and even Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. It's a family show that will entertain all ages.
Naeem Amir, Cardiff

Get a presenter who can 'have a go'. Dermot O'Leary would be excellent at this.
Iain Hicken, Swindon, UK

Have to admit to have been waiting for this moment for ever. The simple format of this show was what made it good, plus the fact that the challenges were actually difficult made it compelling as a viewing. As for presenter, has to be Gordon Burns, though Jeremy Paxman would be pretty decent also.
Michael, Canterbury, Kent

Yes, bring it back and, with the assault course as an exception, make it live. That should make the Mental Agility round interesting.
Gary, Belvedere, Kent, England

I can't see any reason for not bringing The Krypton Factor back - as long as it isn't Celebrity Krypton Factor!
Nigel Brown, Telford, Shropshire

Bad eighties clothes and moustaches are a must Maeve, Cardiff

Bring it back; it's one of the greatest quiz shows! Nothing should be changed, the contestants should be made to wear bad eighties clothes and moustaches are a must!
Maeve, Cardiff

I would love to see the Krypton Factor coming back, it was always a show I loved watching as a kid, and it would be great to see the show, without many changes back on air. I would also love to see Gordon Burns present it, as he is synonymous with the show in my opinion.
Neil Dawson, London, England

It was a fantastic programme, but it did date a little towards the end. The icons and the intro were a little haphazard and dodgy and very, very eighties. Apart from the studio getting the obvious revamp, the assault course should be made more difficult, but the death slide should remain. The presenter should be someone who we can credit as being able to do the tasks set for the contestants. It would give him/her an air of authority when it comes to questioning the contestants, and making comments on their progress. Jamie Theakston is an excellent presenter, and would be very good on the show, as he proved with C4's The Games.
Steven Flanagan, Montrose, Angus

It was a great show, but can the BBC not come up with something new? Endless remakes and repeats don't help the "we're not dumbing down" argument, especially when they're as insipid as "Strictly Dance Fever"!!!
DLV, Bristol, UK

Possible host - Jeremy Paxman, Jeremy Vine or Kirsty Young? Paul Hill, London, England

The Krypton Factor should definitely come back. It was a great show that my family used to watch every week. At the beginning of each show a family member would chose a colour, then they were your "horse" for the race. Not even sure you have to change the format much, maybe make the practical challenge digital, definitely bring back the assault course and aviation flight simulator. Possible host - Jeremy Paxman, Jeremy Vine or Kirsty Young?
Paul Hill, London, England

Yes please! If only to see the huge 80s shoulder pads in the regulation Krypton Factor track suit. An update would be most welcome!
John Want, Caerphilly, UK

No! Wasn't this the most boring show on television?
Paul Wise, London

Yes! Bring it back! This is a classic show and if done cleverly, it would be a big hit. The assault course rules!
Adam Smith, Nottingham, UK