A stalwart of daytime television, BBC quiz show Pointless is watched by millions each week. Due to a succession of tough general knowledge quandaries, its contestants are often made internet sensations when a particularly unfortunate answer does the twitter rounds.

Compare this to the little known village of Theydon Bois, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of nearby London by the sprawling hills of Epping forest and almost completely unknown. With a population of just over 4 thousand, its residents would make up barely 1/6000th of the quiz show’s regular viewing figures. Despite being situated in such proximity to the heart of British culture, this rural community really is very far removed.

Picture the scene then, in a recent episode, as Pointless host Alexander Armstrong turns to the final pairing with the task of naming ‘Any London Underground station beginning with the letters T, F or L’. Few would have expected the first words uttered by the pair to be the name of that obscure little village, but there it was: ‘Theydon Bois’, came their instant reply. Doubtless levels of excitement in the village were already close to boiling over, but the rejoicing had to be kept under wraps as the ominous numbers went down, down and further down towards the all important zero: a pointless answer, one that none of the programme’s 100 people were able to identify.

Jubilation.

As the lucky pair are rewarded with their jackpot, the village of Theydon Bois lies in understandable stunned silence. Then comes the realization. ‘’Fame at last?!’’ comments one elated resident, recognition on national television for this little community has put Theydon Bois well and truly on the map, and its inhabitants are of course overjoyed.

Admittedly, it could be said that there is little reason for exultation at being nationally recognised as possibly the least well known or appreciated location on the tube map. Also, it must be admitted that Theydon’s moment of fame lasted little more than two minutes, but all of this failed to dampen the celebrations that must surely have swept this beloved little village, if a mention on (almost) prime time TV prompted anywhere near the level of excitement in its residents as it did within me.