HAIRDRESSER Vicky Versaci will soon be seen competing in one of Britain's toughest quiz shows after winning a seat on Mastermind.

The senior hair stylist at Vogue salon in Gloucester Street, Stroud was watching Celebrity Mastermind with her family when she realised she could answer most of the questions.

"My youngest son Luca, who is eight-years-old said I should have a go," explained Vicky, who lives in Ebley.

"But my husband Jamie, who is a teacher, did not think I could do it - that was like a red rag to a bull."

Vicky, 38 applied to the long-running BBC Two TV quiz and found herself at a general knowledge audition in Bristol.

About a month later she received a phone call from the Mastermind team saying she had a place.

Vicky, a former Stroud High School pupil, said: "There is the perception and stereotype that hairdressers can be ditzy.

"I wanted to prove that you do not need a degree or doctorate to be intelligent."

Vicky, a keen reader, chose the Hannibal Lecter novels of Thomas Harris for her first two minutes in the famous black chair.

Vogue owner Louise Price said: "We are all very proud of Vicky."

Vicky, who left school at 16 and went straight into hairdressing, will appear on the programme, hosted by former BBC news reader and Radio Four presenter John Humphreys, this autumn.