An Only Connect contestant has responded to viewers who labelled Monday's episode of the BBC quiz show the "worst ever". Katie Rae Taylor, who appeared on the programme with her team Colonial Geese, took to TikTok to address the backlash with humour.
Contestant's witty response
Sharing photographs from her appearance on the show alongside social media commentary, Taylor wrote: "Victoria is just as lovely and beautiful in real life either way." In another post, she joked: "Took a bit too far and ended up on the 'worst episode ever' of a show but at least we had a hoot! ! ! !"
She also shared images from the recording, adding: "Smile so full of light and joy... little did she know..." and "just happy to be here". Taylor concluded her response by including a tweet from @fletcherchriss which stated: "This is the worst episode of #onlyconnect ever".
Viewers' reaction
The episode, which aired on BBC Two on Monday evening, saw teams Double Features and Colonial Geese compete. Viewers quickly took to social media to criticise the performance of both teams. One fan remarked: "Think these contestants on #onlyconnect tonight meant to apply for Tipping Point." Another suggested: "I honestly think that this episode is one of the pranks pulled by Ant and Dec to scupper certain hosts and fully expect them to appear shortly lol #onlyconnect."
Low scores and format
Colonial Geese managed just 16 points in total, while Double Features trailed with 14 points. The quiz programme, which originally launched in 2008 on BBC Four and now airs on BBC Two, is presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell. The show's title is believed to derive from a line in E. M. Forster's 1910 novel Howards End: "Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted."
The game comprises four rounds, with the highest-scoring team declared victorious. Should teams finish level, a single sudden-death puzzle is presented to both team captains. If a captain buzzes in first with the correct response, their team claims victory, while an incorrect answer hands the win to their opponents. The episode is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer.
