BBC viewers expressed immediate and widespread frustration during Friday night's broadcast of Celebrity Mastermind, with many taking to social media to criticise the show's choice of celebrity contestants.
Viewers Unimpressed by 'Unknown' Contestants
Hosted by Clive Myrie, the episode which aired on Friday, January 2, 2026, featured four personalities: actor Colson Smith, known for his role in Coronation Street, radio presenter Nadia Jae, comedian Grace Campbell, and Blue Peter presenter Joel M. The quartet faced questions on specialist subjects ranging from Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa to Marvel's Avengers films, actor Robin Williams, and illusionist Derren Brown.
However, the response from the audience was swift and largely negative. A significant number of viewers admitted they only recognised Colson Smith, leading to a barrage of complaints online about the perceived lack of star power.
Social Media Erupts with Criticism
One viewer posted on social media: "Apart from PC Tinks from #Corrie, who are these other people masquerading as 'celebrities'?" Another echoed the sentiment, questioning: "Shot at fame? So an admission of sorts that many of these aren't very famous already."
The criticism was relentless. A third comment read: "These 'celebrities' just get further and further away from the actual label 'celebrity' every night. What a joke." Others suggested the BBC had "finally run out of celebrities" and were using the term "quite loosely."
A Tight Contest Amidst the Controversy
Despite the furore over the participants, the quiz itself proved challenging. Nadia Jae finished in fourth place with just eight points across both rounds, while Joel M secured third with 13 points. The competition was close at the top, with Colson Smith achieving 14 points for second place. The winner was comedian Grace Campbell, who narrowly triumphed with 15 points.
This episode continues a recent trend of viewer dissatisfaction with the celebrity edition of the long-running quiz. Some have previously accused the show of featuring "dumbed-down questions," with one fan calling it a "complete waste of licence money." This contrasts sharply with the show's history since its 2002 spin-off launch, which has seen genuinely high-profile figures like Stephen Fry and Paul O'Grady take the famous black chair.
Celebrity Mastermind is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
