The latest episode of quiz show Only Connect, which aired on Tuesday, prompted complaints online and even a “switch off” remark thanks to one of the contestant’s “excuses” for an incorrect answer.
As always, the notoriously difficult show, hosted by Victoria Coren Mitchell, saw two teams attempting to find a connection between seemingly unrelated things.
The latest instalment featured the Whitley Bays, and On No, They Didn’t.
One player, Lizzy Riley, left social media awash with criticism, though, after she noted her young age as the reason she didn’t know an answer.
Only Connect viewers complained about Lizzy pointing out her age
|BBC
The Whitley Bays team was asked: “What would you expect to see in the fourth picture?”
The group incorrectly answered “a sugar cube,” with Mrs Coren Mitchell replying: “I don’t think that would work."
The mishap led to On No, They Didn’t being granted the question as a bonus round, with the second team also failing to identify the correct answer.
The presenter then revealed the link was “Vincent,” before turning to Lizzy and pointing out: “You’re looking blank.”
Victoria Coren Mitchell and Only Connect players were shocked to realise Lizzy's age
|BBC
“Never heard of it,” the player admitted before the host wondered aloud how Lizzy would perform with questions about British sitcom Porridge.
Lizzy explained: “I was born in 2004,” prompting other players to groan at the contestant’s young age.
“Oh my word! Let’s move on,” Mrs Coren Mitchell responded.
The interaction prompted X users to express their annoyance over what they deemed an "excuse".
LATEST BBC DEVELOPMENTS
Only Connect was back with a new episode on Tuesday
|BBC
One penned: "Victoria was right, that #onlyconnect team should go watch Porridge!"
"Doing well on #OnlyConnect tonight, probably because I was born before 2004," a second quipped.
One extreme response saw someone switching channels as they shared: "Someone born in 2004 is on this show... I'm out... #OnlyConnect."
Another fumed: "You can't come on to a general knowledge show, show a sore lack of it, and then blame it on your age! That really grinds my gears. #OnlyConnect."
Only Connect's Lizzy detailed her age in response to an incorrect answer
|BBC
Responding, someone else penned: "Absolutely, *before I was born* always winds me up."
"#OnlyConnect Kids today so self-absorbed, can't give an answer to anything before their age," a different viewer commented.
"#OnlyConnect 'I was born in 2004 so I wouldn't know.' Why? WHY would you go on a bl**** high-brow quiz show if you are going to use that age-old excuse? SO annoying," echoed another.
One more remarked: "Lizzy Riley saying she was born in 2004, then not really knowing about the Nestene & the Autons (which were in Series 1 of Doctor Who *in 2005*)... That all makes me feel about 1000 years old. #OnlyConnect."
However, others had a more positive opinion on the contestant, with one writing: "I remember Lizzy fondly from years ago on the Family Brain Games, and she hasn’t let me down. Still bonkers and brilliant #OnlyConnect." (sic)