What happened to the Guardian Thursday quiz?
by Martin Belam, June 26, 2025 Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had lots of lovely messages from people all asking what boils down to one question – “What happened to the Guardian Thursday quiz?”
Regular readers will know that I write a Thursday quiz for the Guardian. Unfortunately after a run of 213 almost consecutive editions – we skipped two weeks because the NUJ was on strike over the sale of the Observer – I have not been able to write it since the first edition of June.
For personal reasons I’ve had to step away from work for a little while, and need to take some time off for the sake of my mental health. I usually pre-write quizzes to cover my absences but this moment was very much not prepared for. I will be doing a few days here and there over the summer as I recover to keep my hand in, but the quiz is now on an unplanned interruption.
In Doctor Who terms, I like to think of it more like a mid-Colin-Baker-era hiatus, rather than a Sylvester McCoy-era cancellation, and all being well I plan to bring the quiz back in September.
Whether that becomes quiz #214, or quiz #1 of season #2 is, of course, exactly the kind of meticulous over-thinking of every detail about everything that has led to me needing a break. Never change, Martin, never change.
There is a rather lovely unofficial Thursday quiz community, and in my absence user0 has even constructed an alternative version of the Thursday quiz there. Here is this week’s: From Bears, Betteridge & Bezos to Venice, Vilnius & Vostok
It genuinely has been lovely to get so many messages of concern from people, and a real kindness of people to get in touch with me at a difficult time. I love how people tell me they do it all together in an office, or remotely with family, or that it is a highlight of their Thursdays. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with or create a few things that people have loved on the internet, and the community around the Thursday quiz has been one of the loveliest. People have also been sending me picture of their dogs to cheer me, which is very sweet. Don’t worry – Ron from Sparks, the feral hogs, some very naughty miniature dachshunds and 1,057 hidden Doctor Who references will return.
by Martin Belam, June 26, 2025 I do live blogging, news stories and quizzes at the Guardian, and help cover Eurovision and Doctor Who for them too. As a journalist and designer I’ve spent over twenty years building digital products for the likes of Sony, the Guardian, the BBC, the Natural History Museum, Arts Council England and Reach (formerly Trinity Mirror). You can contact me at martin.belam@theguardian.com. Sign up to get my blog posts sent to you via email.
Really missing you Martin. I work from home and save your quiz for my morning break entertainment. Mind you I’m rubbish at it! 🤣
Very best wishes to you. Sounds as if life’s a bit tough at the moment, but hoping it brightens up soon.
Thank you for posting this Martin. I am so sorry you are suffering at the moment and wish you and yours all the love and support you need.
My husband and I love the Thursday quiz, we do it on Saturday mornings with a cuppa and shall look forward to its return when you are well enough.
Take care and special love to Willow xx
I was once told – a long time ago, since I will be 79 next month – that a man never tells another man that he loves him. Bull feathers. Martin B, I love you, and want you to continue to be a part of my life.
Miss the quiz but hope you keep well.
Hope you get well very soon Martin, but don’t rush it
Martin
We really look forward to your Thursday quiz
Thanks for sharing why it will have a break and we look forward to its return, when you are fit and ready.
The Thursday quiz has been a highlight of the week for me and friends for ages so I’m glad it’s not a full McCoy situation.
We’ll miss you (and Willow) but glad to hear you’re taking the time you need.
Hope you are taking some well deserved me time, you deserve it pet. The quiz is great fun but we all want you task pet to take care of yourself.
Miss Willow too of course, I recommend lots of doggie snuggles.
All the best mate.
To follow on from David Watts – men aren’t supposed to hug each other either, but here’s a massive hug from me, and thanks for all the entertainment you’ve supplied us with. Keep strong.
Dear Martin, so sorry to hear that you are suffering but many thanks for posting this, which just confirms my already very positive views about you, and your professionalism. I really enjoy the quiz, although despite being a dilettante Dr Who fan, never get any of the extra clues, and am not especially good at the rest. I do appreciate the care and effort that you put into it. Wishing you all the best and hope that things feel better soon but don’t rush and don’t feel pressured. I do hope that you can enjoy some of the summer too.
I love your quizzes, wonderful stuff, hang on in there and take care of yourself, Lawrence
Have missed the quiz and the laughs – Thursdays aren’t the same. Take care Martin and look forward to your return when you’re ready x
I never get more than 9 right but I bloody well love and look forward to the quiz. However, needs must so take your time and get yourself well again. We’ll still be here when you come back
My husband and I compete every week. And I always come second.
Your health and well being comes first, take care.
Martin,
Thanks for letting us know about the Thursday Quiz. Lots of good wishes (let’s say 30-50) for a speedy recovery.
The thursday quiz is a highlight of the week!. Bill is right, feel better, we’ll be here when you get back. We adore you!.
Can’t wait for September.
Sorry to read that you’ve needed to take a break. I love your weekly quiz, especially the naughty dachshunds! Will look forward to September; though only if you’re ready to return. Take care and look after yourself.
Hope you have a good break Martin, and I hope Willow doesn’t get overly exhausted from all the walks I expect you’ll be taking her on. The quiz has really helped get me through the end of the week over the last few years!