BBC Only Connect fans moan 'standards are slipping' as they spot error minutes into show
The beloved BBC quiz show Only Connect, hosted by the sharp-witted Victoria Coren Mitchell, has made its triumphant return to our screens with a brand-new series.
The quiz programme challenges teams to unravel the connections between seemingly unrelated clues in a battle of wits and knowledge.
In the latest series premiere, which graces our screens on Monday nights on BBC Two, eagle-eyed fans were left scratching their heads as they believed they spotted an error early in the episode.
Victoria posed a question to one of the teams: "What is the connection between these, apparently random, picture clues?" as an image of snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan popped up, followed by a depiction of Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel universe.
The contestants quickly deduced that 'rocket' was the common link, a guess that Victoria confirmed as correct before revealing the remaining two images: a drawing of Stephenson's Rocket and a picture of rocket salad leaves, reports Wales Online.
But some viewers were adamant that the locomotive illustrated was not Stephenson's Rocket, prompting them to air their grievances on social media.
One disgruntled fan tweeted: "First mistake on the new series of @ BBC #OnlyConnect. This is LOCOMOTION not Stephensons ROCKET @VictoriaCoren," attaching a photo of the contentious sketch.
Another viewer chimed in with disappointment: "Standards are slipping Robert," while yet another expressed surprise: "And on the very first question too!".
"Came here to the #OnlyConnect trending comments to see this! I got the answer in two, but if I'd needed a third this would have thrown me," chimed in another fan.
Another viewer also concurred, posting on X: "#onlyconnect Probably says more about me than anything else, but the picture of Stephenson's Rocket in round one tonight wasn't Stephenson's Rocket. It was Puffing Billy. I shall now go back to looking for my life down the back of the sofa."
Since its debut in 2008, Only Connect has won over quiz show enthusiasts and secured its place as a staple in British television.
The show consistently ranks as BBC Two's most viewed programme of the week, often sandwiched between Mastermind and University Challenge, contributing to the channel's popular quiz night line-up.
The Mirror has reached out to the BBC for a response
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
16 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly's Amy Dowden put 'so much pressure on herself' to return post-treatment
Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden had to withdraw from the show last year after suffering a foot injury, but says she's ready to return to the dance floor as a stronger version of herself. Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden said she hit an "all time low" after finishing cancer treatment – but is now a "newer, stronger" version of herself and is ready to return to the show. The 34 year old professional dancer made her comeback to the BBC programme last year following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2023. However, halfway through the series, Amy, who was paired with JLS singer JB Gill, was forced to pull out after sustaining a foot injury. This prompted the Welsh performer to reflect on her progress, and how she should have been kinder to herself in her recovery. "I feel like Amy's back, but actually a newer, stronger version of me," she said. "I'm really grateful to be in this position. It's been a long road of recovery." Amy, who endured a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and was placed into a treatment-induced menopause by medics as part of her care said she was 'a bit naïve' after ringing the bell - a tradition amongst cancer patients once they complete treatment. "I honestly thought that that's it, I had my life back." What she didn't anticipate was the long road to recovery which would follow, to get back to where she was before, both physically and mentally. Speaking at the launch of the Keep Ahead awareness campaign, she opened up about how it took a toll emotionally. The campaign, spearheaded and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK, is designed to shed light on life after breast cancer. For many who haven't been through it, ringing the bell might seem like a moment of pure joy, but Amy reveals that this isn't always the case. In the weeks following her bell-ringing, Amy confessed she hit an "all time low". "I was very emotional; I was scared, petrified and thought 'what if I haven't done enough." She admitted she experienced feelings of 'guilt' over these emotions: "I felt why am I feeling like this when I should be happy and celebrating when deep inside I felt angry and bitter." She highlighted the extensive road to recovery; regaining stamina, rebuilding confidence – particularly in her line of work. Moreover, she had to come to terms with what she had been through. "After I rang the bell, I thought I was done, but I was deluded... The road to recovery was pretty grim to be honest with you and my stamina levels were the lowest they've ever been in my life. Having to start that journey to the dance floor felt like a million miles away." She continued: "After the last chemo, I don't want to say I felt worse, but you know, yeah it did, because you feel like you're doing something during it [cancer treatment]. Then all of a sudden, you face the reality of trying to rebuild a new version of you." However, the dancer has since battled her way back to health and is now determined to live life to the fullest. She has just wrapped up filming for the new series of Celebrity Hunted, and completed her UK dance tour earlier this year with fellow Strictly star Carlos Gu. She's also been making sure to spend quality time with loved ones and prioritise rest. "I've learned to take time to rest, recover and spend time with my loved ones." On Celebrity Hunted, Amy had to go "off-grid" and refrain from using electronic devices including her phone – a digital detox she plans to incorporate more into her life to be more present with her husband Ben. Amy said: "I was always on my phone and I've learned that you don't need to be contactable 24/7, and to put the phone away and appreciate what's in front of you. I'm not going to just scroll through social media and watch what everyone else is doing." This relaxation and recovery has led to a happier Amy and now she believes she can return to Strictly even stronger. She said: "Last year, I put so much pressure on myself. I've taken that pressure away from me now and I can't wait to just enjoy it."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Bargain Hunt's John Cameron's life from health scare to sad reason he quit first job
Bargain Hunt expert John Cameron had a terrifying health scare just minutes before he was due on air Bargain Hunt, which is broadcast on BBC One, featured John Cameron as the expert guiding amateur teams in their quest for hidden gems. John made headlines in 2024 when he took to social media to reassure his followers after a frightening health scare occurred just moments before he was set to film the popular BBC programme. John was swiftly taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, where he underwent an urgent operation to have a stent fitted. Expressing his gratitude on Instagram, John praised the NHS staff, saying, "The paramedics 'Jess' and 'Cat' who transported me to Queen Alexandra Hospital with sirens blaring, and the amazing emergency team in theatre who fitted me with a stent unblocking the artery that caused me to have a heart attack just 10 minutes before I was about to film a BBC Bargain Hunt auction at my firm Nesbits in Southsea". Visibly affected by the incident, he continued: "Not sure how many of my 9 lives still remain but I definitely lost one yesterday." He also reflected philosophically, adding, "To quote the great ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, 'we have two lives, the second one begins when you realise you only have one'." Following his hospital stay, John returned home to rest and seems to have made a good recovery. Back in the swing of things, he shared insights into his early life and the reasons behind his choice to pursue a career in antiques. Explaining his background, he mentioned: "I grew up around antiques as my grandfather was a dealer, however, on leaving school I served a five-year apprenticeship as a carpenter/joiner. "As my £27.50 weekly YTS wages weren't enough, I supplemented my income by stripping, restoring and waxing antique pine furniture which was very fashionable in the late 1980s." Yet, an injury compelled him to abandon this line of work, as he explained: "A re-occurring prolapse disc in my back forced me to give up my physical job and return to college where I undertook a three-year degree course at Southampton, studying fine art valuation. "I followed this with two further years studying whilst working at an auction house to become a chartered surveyor of antiques and fine art." Despite being content with his career trajectory, he did reveal an alternative path that intrigued him. "If I wasn't working in the antiques trade, I would have loved to train as a chef," he confessed. He expressed his enthusiasm for gastronomy and oenology, saying: "I am passionate about good food and wine, and love nothing more than watching cooking programmes over antiques programmes! Failing that, I would probably use my knowledge of carpentry and general building to renovate property." Catch Bargain Hunt on BBC One, weekdays at 12.15pm.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Bargain Hunt star supported by fans as he makes huge announcement away from BBC show
Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson has announced his latest move away from the BBC show Bargain Hunt star Charles Hanson has been supported by fans as he made a huge announcement away from the BBC show. The beloved auctioneer is set to host a new auction show, giving viewers an exclusive peek into his Derbyshire salesroom and unveiling some "jaw-dropping discoveries". Charles took to Instagram on Tuesday (July 22) to tease fans with a promotional snapshot of his upcoming series, Secret Life of the Auction House, which will premiere on Quest on Thursday, July 31. His announcement post read: "Exciting news from Hansons Auctioneers! We're thrilled to announce our brand-new TV series, Secret Life of the Auction House! Step inside our Derbyshire saleroom as hundreds of thousands of extraordinary treasures pass through each year - from a 1966 World Cup flag to Queen Victoria's bloomers," reports the Express. "With exclusive, behind-the-scenes access, watch as Charles Hanson (@HansonsAuctions) and our 75-strong team research provenance, spot the fakes, and run the live auctions that send rare Harry Potter first editions, Victorian vampire slaying kits, and so much more out the door to eager collectors." The post also included details about the show's premiere: "Tune in Thursday 31st July at 9 PM on @QuestTV to catch the first episode!" Adding to the anticipation, the caption concluded: "Whether you're a seasoned collector or just love a good treasure hunt, this series is packed with insider tips, jawdropping discoveries, and all the auction excitement you could ask for." Charles received an outpouring of support from his fans in the comments section, with one writing: "I will look forward to this." Another added: "Sounds really interesting great to see behind the scenes," while a third expressed anticipation: "Fantastic. Looking forward to watching this." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "Great news! I will be delighted to tune in!" In a recent update, Charles couldn't hide his excitement as he anticipated the launch of his new show. He took to X (formerly Twitter), saying: "Hope everyone's well this Tuesday (not Wednesday) evening! New show out soon! 31st July at 10pm (not 9pm) on #Quest #SecretLifeOfTheAuctionHouse." In a brief clip that was filmed in his car, Charles said: "I hope everyone is well. I'm really excited about a new show appearing on your TV screens. Making a show for Discovery Plus seen on Quest starting on the 31st July. "It's the Secret Life of the Auction House. It stars me and my brilliant team at Hansons Auctioneers as we cover all the country and we make some quite riveting, revealing, emotive, cliffhanging, nail-biting, times." He concluded: "We sell with theatre, drama and romance and we make a memory. So do tune in." Known for his appearances on Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, Charles is a familiar face to many. Bargain Hunt is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Se cret Life of the Auction House premieres on July 31 at 10pm on Quest
