David St John, who has appeared in more than 34 game shows across the world, has released a tell-all book

Southampton born comedy entertainer, David St John’s quick fire answers in more than 34 game shows turned him into the TV quiz show king of the world.

Now he is telling all and sharing his experiences of being a prolific TV game show contestant in an e-book, entitled Yours Quizzically, Confessions of a TV Quiz Addict.

Spanning more than 30 years of quiz shows, the Amazon book, goes behind the scenes and recalls his highs and lows of pitting his wits on TV.

It is packed with amusing tales relating to each show, along with contributions from some well known names.

The 66 year-old says: “I guess my love of quizzes goes way back to my early years as I used to enjoy school exams!”

David, who now lives in the Midlands, has appeared on stages across the United Kingdom and overseas.

But in 1982, he decided to try his luck on a TV quiz show with the legendary Sale of The Century. He struck lucky first time when he roared away with the star prize – two motorbikes.

Part of TV folklore and hosted by Nicholas Parsons, it was the UK’s most viewed game show. At its peak it was watched by more 21 million viewers.

David still keeps in touch with the quizmaster legend who has written the foreword to the book.

After Sale of the Century in which he flew to Australia for an Ashes-style contest, David became a regular on TV quiz shows.

David St John with Nicholas Parsons after winning Sale of the Century

His thirst for knowledge began at an early age and he loved nothing better than trawling through the pages of encyclopaedias.

He has always had a love for books and during his childhood years spent many hours in Southampton’s Woolston library.

His encyclopaedic memory has been tested in a host of other shows including Music Match, Chain Letters, Winners Takes All, Wordplay, Eggheads, The Rovers Return Quiz Night and The Chase.

David’s first book gives tips on how to apply, audition and take part in shows. There are detailed chapters on each of his individual programmes.

He shares his experience of being in a TV studio, watched by millions battling against the odds.

David also writes about the celebrity presenters and fellow contestants, including a parish priest.

He recalls: “I managed to beat the vicar on the buzzer for a couple of Bible questions. He was quite red faced about it but took it in great fun.”

There is a closing chapter on hilarious dumb answers blurted out on many TV shows. If the book is a success he would like to see it hitting the bookshelves as a printed version.

Inspiration for the book came from the serial quizzer’s appearance in a documentary of the history of quiz shows presented by The Chase’s Bradley Walsh.

Also in the pipeline is a book on David’s early days in Southampton, including the city’s lively sixties musical scene.