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Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
BBC Only Connect viewers fume at 'awful' format change and say they'll switch off
Only Connect fans were left outraged on Monday after an 'audio-based special' was aired on the BBC quiz show, with viewers saying they 'switched channels'. BBC Two's Only Connect has sparked some displeased reactions from fans following an "audio-based special" that was broadcast on Monday. The intelligence-testing quiz show, lauded for its tough lexical conundrums and the formidable Missing Vowels round under Victoria Coren Mitchell's adept hosting, encountered online dissent. Discontent arose amidst the Connections segment when, deviating from standard practice, audio and musical clips were utilised as hints – a method occasionally adopted by the programme but still met with considerable disapproval by some viewers. Though not unprecedented in its history, every instance of such an audio twist tends to polarise the fandom, with a faction insistent that these musical interludes undermine the show's cerebral atmosphere. Even the most devoted aficionados have expressed clear disdain for the concept, maintaining that Only Connect should remain true to its intellectual spirit and eschew the audio inquiries entirely, reports the Mirror. One irritated fan posted on social media: "This awful music format should never happen again. Switching channels," while another confessed: "I love Only Connect, but as soon as the music round starts I'm out." Another audience member echoed this sentiment, saying: "It's a quiz for thinkers, not karaoke night." Meanwhile, host Victoria Coren Mitchell is gearing up for a new endeavour, stepping aside from her usual role as quiz master on Only Connect to delight fans with a fresh project. At the age of 52, Coren Mitchell, who has become synonymous with BBC Two's cerebral quiz show Only Connect since 2008, will soon be seen in the guest host chair on Have I Got News For You. Her much-awaited stint on the panel show is slated to air on Friday, May 23. She'll be joined by the sharp-witted comedian Chris McCausland and the esteemed broadcaster Janet Street-Porter. The veteran panellist Street-Porter, well-acquainted with the setup, will be marking her 18th appearance on the show. Viewers can certainly expect an electrifying episode as this trio combine wit, informed opinions, and frank commentary to light up the sought-after Friday night slot. Known for her razor-sharp mind and distinctive poker-faced humour, Victoria has hosted over 500 episodes throughout 20 series of Only Connect, challenging contestants with her tough trivia questions. Behind the scenes, however, life is all about family for Victoria, who cherishes time with her two daughters and her husband, the distinguished actor from Peep Show, David Mitchell. In an open-hearted discussion with the Evening Standard back in 2012, Victoria Coren Mitchell shared her personal views on becoming a mother, stating: "I hadn't experienced the yearning that some women feel to start a family. "I never had that point that a lot of my friends went through in their early to mid-twenties when they decided that they absolutely wanted children. But I am slightly obsessed with children [so] I absolutely still might."
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC viewers left outraged by 'awful' format change as they issue same demand
Only Connect fans were left unimpressed on Monday night after the episode featured a huge change BBC Two's Only Connect has left a number of its fans unimpressed after an "audio-based special" was aired on Monday (May 12). The brain-teasing show, hailed for its challenging word puzzles and daunting Missing Vowels round under the steady command of Victoria Coren Mitchell, found itself at the centre of online backlash. The uproar occurred during the Connections round, where teams are usually tasked with figuring out what links up to four seemingly unrelated items. In a departure from the norm, the clues were presented as audio and musical snippets – a format that has been used sporadically on the show but continues to be widely disliked by a portion of the audience. Such a twist is not new to the series, but it notoriously divides viewers, with some adamant that these soundbite challenges disrupt the show's intellectual feel. Die-hard fans have been particularly vocal about their aversion, arguing that Only Connect should stick to its roots and leave the audio questions out of the picture. One disgruntled viewer wrote on social media: "This awful music format should never happen again. Switching channels," while another lamented, "I love Only Connect, but as soon as the music round starts I'm out." A third viewer similarly expressed dismay, saying, "It's a quiz for thinkers, not karaoke night," reports the Express. Elsewhere, Victoria Coren Mitchell is preparing to embark on a fresh venture away from her familiar position steering the formidable Only Connect ship, promising something new for her followers. The 52-year-old quiz show host, known for her role in BBC Two's Only Connect since 2008, is set to take a turn as guest host on Have I Got News For You. Her highly anticipated episode is scheduled for broadcast on Friday, May 23, where she'll share the stage with comedian Chris McCausland and broadcasting legend Janet Street-Porter. The Loose Women star is no stranger to Have I Got News For You as she will be making her 18th appearance on the show. Expect sparks to fly as this dynamic trio deliver a mix of humour, seasoned insight, and straight-talking critique in the coveted Friday night programme. Victoria has earned a name for herself, not just for her intellect but for her trademark deadpan comedy, having presented over 500 episodes across 20 series of Only Connect's challenging quiz format. Away from the bright lights of television, Victoria is a devoted mother to her two daughters with her husband, acclaimed Peep Show actor David Mitchell. Speaking openly with the Evening Standard in a 2012 interview, Victoria previously revealed her thoughts on motherhood: "I hadn't experienced the yearning that some women feel to start a family. "I never had that point that a lot of my friends went through in their early to mid-twenties when they decided that they absolutely wanted children. But I am slightly obsessed with children [so] I absolutely still might."
Edinburgh Live
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Only Connect viewers say 'I'm out' as BBC show makes huge change
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Fans of BBC Two's notoriously tough quiz show Only Connect fumed "I'm out" after an "audio-based special" was broadcast on Monday (May 12). The brainy contest, helmed by Victoria Coren Mitchell, normally wins praise for its clever wordplay, enigmatic connections, and the relentless Missing Vowels round. This time, dismay spread when the programme dabbled with a musical format, cueing an online outcry. The frustration erupted during the Connections round, which ordinarily challenging teams to deduce what unites up to four disparate hints. In a departure from the norm, the clues were presented as audio and musical snippets – a format that has been used sporadically on the show but continues to be widely disliked by a portion of the audience. (Image: (Image: BBC)) Occasional music-oriented challenges have appeared in earlier series, always provoking a spirited response. Audio-based questions are permitted within the connections or sequences rounds, yet some ardent fans argue they simply don't fit. "This awful music format should never happen again. Switching channels," one disgruntled fan said on social media, while another lamented: "I love Only Connect, but as soon as the music round starts I'm out," reports the Express. A third person echoed the sentiment, saying : "It's a quiz for thinkers, not karaoke night." In other news, Victoria is poised to take on new ventures beyond her familiar role as Only Connect's quizmaster. (Image: (Image: BBC)) The 52-year-old presenter, famous for her role in the BBC Two quiz show Only Connect since 2008, is gearing up to make a splash as a guest host on Have I Got News For You. Fans can catch her episode airing on Friday, May 23, where she is set to share the stage with comedian Chris McCausland and media veteran Janet Street-Porter. With a track record of 17 appearances, Janet, widely recognised from ITV's Loose Women, is no stranger to the satirical edge of Have I Got News For You. Bringing together humour, seasoned insight, and straightforward opinions, the trio are poised to deliver an entertaining line-up for the renowned Friday evening programme. (Image: (Image: BBC)) Victoria has become synonymous for her razor-sharp wit and a poker-faced sense of comedy, having skilfully hosted over 500 episodes of Only Connect across 20 series. When not dazzling audiences on TV, she enjoys family life with her husband, Peep Show's David Mitchell, and their two daughters. Speaking with the Evening Standard back in 2012, Victoria previously revealed intimate thoughts about motherhood: "I hadn't experienced the yearning that some women feel to start a family. "I never had that point that a lot of my friends went through in their early to mid-twenties when they decided that they absolutely wanted children. But I am slightly obsessed with children [so] I absolutely still might." Only Connect is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
