Brainy Bev masters celebrity challenge

Soul singer Beverley Knight trumped a former Tory leader and proved she is more than just a pretty face after winning Celebrity Mastermind.

The singer, from Wolverhampton, walked off with the trophy leaving three other famous faces, including former Tory leader Michael Howard, trailing behind her.

The songstress took to the famous black chair, along with snooker player John Higgins and BBC weatherman Alex Deakin, in the episode screened on BBC 1 last night.

Wearing a stylish belted black dress and killer heels, the singer scored 16 points on her specialist subject – the life and music of Prince.

In the general knowledge round, Knight scored an impressive 13 points, giving her a total score of 29.

Deakin came second with 25 points, while Higgins and Howard both scored 17 points.

The politician managed just three points in the general knowledge round. When presented with her trophy by the show's presenter John Humphrys, Knight whooped "I can't believe it".

Humphrys quizzed Knight about her passion for soul music.

The 36-year-old former Woodfield and Highfields School pupil replied: "For me, soul singing is what it has always been which is an expression of music totally guided by what's inside your soul."

Knight is donating her prize money to the Terrence Higgins Trust, which fights against HIV.

Speaking on social networking site Twitter today, Knight said: "My trophy is in the kitchen and I still can't believe it.

"I so wanted to beat Michael Howard though, I'm so competitive."

Scores of fans have also logged on to congratulate the star.

Scott Bowers tweeted: "Can I just say, go Beverley Knight. Beat a line up on Celebrity Mastermind that included Michael Howard. Go Midlands! Hilarious!"