Victoria Coren Mitchell is facing backlash after calling contestants “idiots” during the third-place playoff episode of Only Connect that aired on Monday.
The 52-year-old presenter made the controversial remarks whilst introducing the teams competing for third place in the BBC quiz show.
Some viewers were left unimpressed by her comments, with many taking to social media to express their disapproval, demanding an apology from the host following the incident.
During Monday’s episode, Mitchell introduced the Cat Cows and Crunchers teams who were competing in the third-place playoff.
She began by praising their achievements, saying: “98 per cent of viewers don’t even understand the questions on this show, they’re not even sure we’re broadcasting in English.”
Mitchell continued: “So to finish third in the actual competition is a towering achievement and the people here are intellectual giants.”
Victoria Coren Mitchell branded the teams idiots
BBC
However, she then added: “They’re just idiots compared to people in the final. And those idiots are…”
While some contestants appeared to laugh at the joke, others displayed more serious expressions.
Viewers quickly took to social media platform X to express their displeasure with Mitchell’s comments, as one user wrote: “Bit rude of Victoria Coren Mitchell to call them idiots. Can’t imagine those smiles were real. She should apologise! #OnlyConnect.”
Another viewer commented: “Not many quizzers would laugh at being called idiots.”
The Crunchers made it through to the next round
BBC
“Did she just call them idiots? Not sure that’s what I would call professional…” someone else penned before a fourth added: “She isn’t serious? I hope she apologised to them after the show.”
The remarks appeared to particularly upset fans of the challenging quiz show, which tests contestants’ lateral thinking and general knowledge.
Some questioned whether the contestants’ smiles were genuine reactions to being called “idiots” on national television.
This is not the first time Mitchell has faced criticism for comments made on the show, in a previous episode, she made what was described as a “filthy” swipe involving pop star Carly Rae Jepson.
During a round where contestants had to find connections between clues, Mitchell mentioned fans wanting to “give Carly Rae Jepson a sword.”
When a contestant pointed out this was likely a euphemism, Mitchell appeared surprised, saying: “That never occurred to me. Oh my lord!”
Fans urged Victoria to apologise to the guests
BBC
She then admitted: “Well, what’s happened is people have given her inflatable swords. People turn up…but it now sounds filthy. Let’s move on.”
The Crunchers ultimately won the third-place playoff, with fans expressing their approval of the result.
