'GamesMaster' on E4 — everything we know about the rebooted tech show

GamesMaster host Trevor McDonald
(Image credit: Getty Images)

GamesMaster is headed back to our screens for the first time since 1998, with a brand new host and new celebrities ready to take part in the revamped cult TV series. 

The original GamesMaster role was played by Sir Patrick Moore, who portrayed a robotic talking head that offered gaming tips to viewers. The classic series was the first UK programme dedicated entirely to video games. 

Not much is known about the reboot as yet, but a press release has teased: "The series will see celebrities, gaming stars and super fans all take part in challenges, races and epic fights. Through virtual battles across a range of games, the competitors will try everything in their power to claim a legendary Golden Joystick Trophy. But whilst they play, they'll be watched over by the all-knowing GamesMaster, famously portrayed in the original by Sir Patrick Moore."

Here's everything we know so far...

GamesMaster release date

GamesMaster doesn't have a release date yet, watch this space!

What is the premise of GamesMaster?

It looks like the modern-day reboot will follow the same format as the classic GamesMaster, where gaming fans will be trying to win a Golden Joystick Trophy. The original series contributed to the video game boom of the 90s, particularly the release of the now-iconic PlayStation and N64 consoles, and it has been revealed that the new series will focus on new consoles including VR headsets like Occulus Rift. 

The classic series also featured reviews of the latest games, but it hasn't been confirmed whether or not this series will do the same.

Who is the new GamesMaster?

Sir Trevor McDonald will be playing the iconic role of the GamesMaster, taking over from the late Sir Patrick Moore who played the robotic head in the 90s. 

Commenting on his role, Sir Trevor said: "I am delighted to be taking on this iconic role for a new generation of viewers."

A first-look at Sir Trevor in the role was shared to Twitter, with C4 writing: "I've been expecting you" First look at Sir Trevor McDonald OBE as GamesMaster. Coming soon to E4."

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Who are the GamesMaster hosts?

Joining Sir Trevor McDonald are Frankie Ward, Rab Florence, and Ty Logan who'll be bringing their passion for gaming to the anticipated reboot.

Speaking about her presenting role, Esports and gaming host Frankie Ward said: "I couldn't be more excited to be part of the GamesMaster team, especially as the one thing I love almost as much as playing games is watching other people play them - and believe me when I say I take the art of celebrating their triumphs and failures very seriously indeed."

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Who else is taking part in GamesMaster?

So far we don't have any more confirmed names for the series, but we'll let you know when contestants are announced!

Is there a trailer?

A teaser has been uploaded to YouTube, giving us a sneak peak at what to expect from the series alongside Sir Trevor's narration. There's plenty of iconic games by the looks of things like Mario Kart, Beat Saber and more!

Lucy Buglass
Senior Staff Writer

Lucy joined the WhatToWatch.com team in 2021, where she writes series guides for must-watch programmes, reviews and the latest TV news. Originally from Northumberland, she graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a degree in Film Studies and moved to London to begin a career writing about entertainment.


She is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and has a huge passion for cinema. She especially loves horror, thriller and anything crime-related. Her favourite TV programmes include Inside No 9, American Horror Story, Stranger Things and Black Mirror but she is also partial to a quiz show or a bit of Say Yes to the Dress