Mastermind contestant angers fans as they call to ‘ban’ specialist subject

Mastermind viewers were outraged after a contestant chose the TV sitcom Friday Night Dinner as their specialist subject.

Viewers of Mastermind were left frustrated after a contestant’s choice of a specialist subject sparked outrage online (
Image: BBC)

Viewers of Mastermind were left frustrated after a contestant’s choice of a specialist subject sparked outrage online.

During the Monday night quiz show, Mastermind, where contestants answer difficult questions on a specialist subject and general knowledge, a range of topics were covered, from Henry II to Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple mysteries, as well as Welsh rugby union test matches.

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But it was Gary Austin, a retired teacher, who caused a stir with his choice of subject: the TV sitcom Friday Night Dinner. The show, which aired from 2011 to 2020, features the Goodman family and was a favourite of many, even receiving two BAFTA nominations. Despite his strong performance, scoring 12 points for his in-depth knowledge, fans of the show were quick to express their discontent.

Many felt that a TV sitcom didn’t deserve to be considered a proper specialist subject. One angry viewer took to X, posting: “#Mastermind shouldn’t allow TV programs as specialist subjects! You watched a few episodes of a program? Great. That’s not the same as studying world history, science, literature. Moan over haha.”

Viewers of Mastermind were left frustrated after a contestant’s choice of a specialist subject sparked outrage online (
Image:
BBC/Hindsight/Hat Trick Productions/William Cherry/Press Eye)

Another user added: “At the least, they should ask questions about the production. Very rarely are there any questions about the writers, actors, or even when was it first aired. It’s often quite marked the relative differences in the first and second round scores.” A third penned: “A show that was on relatively recently and ran for 6 seasons. Just binge watching a TV show doesn’t feel like studying for. Can we please up the bar for acceptable specialist subjects?” And a fourth agreed, stating: “6 series and 37 episodes. That’s not a specialist subject, that’s a passing interest.”

Other viewers voiced their disappointment, with a fifth writing: “Ruins #mastermind when someone answers sitcom questions.” A sixth echoed: “I got almost as many right as him – Friday night dinner is a great show but hardly mastermind material.” A seventh went even further, saying: “They need to ban people from doing a sitcom as their specialist subject in mastermind. It’s a sham of a mockery.”

Earlier this year, Emmerdale star Danny Miller faced harsh criticism after his ‘angry’ appearance on Mastermind. During the Monday night episode, he was ruthlessly mocked online for his sour mood and apparent frustration throughout the quiz show. On the episode, host Clive Myrie welcomed four new celebrity contestants onto the game show. Emmerdale’s Danny, TV presenter Josie D’Arby, BBC weather presenter Elizabeth Rizzini, and sports broadcaster Qasa Alom took part in the game to raise money for their chosen charity.

Retired teacher, Gary Austin, chose the TV sitcom Friday Night Dinner as his specialist subject (
Image:
BBC)
While some stars did well on the show, Danny struggled with the questions and achieved a total of 10 points across the specialist and general knowledge round. After a disappointing performance, he seemingly spent the rest of the time moping in his chair. Everyone else looked ready for another round while Danny leaned back and crossed his arms and legs.

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Fans noticed his sour mood and rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to mock the star’s ‘diva’ strop. One user said: “I’ve never seen a contestant on #mastermind as thoroughly pissed off as Danny Miller tonight. Basically gave up halfway through his general knowledge round and then sat like the mardiest man in the world. Agent getting sacked in the morning.”

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“Never has a Mastermind contestant looked so p***ed off as Danny Miller! ‘I’m going to try really hard to enjoy myself and not get overly competitive!’” another said as they pointed out what Danny said at the beginning of the contest. One said: “Danny Millar throwing a right hissy fit on Mastermind!”

Another fan commented: “That Danny bloke looks furious. His body language as well…. He wants out of there.” One question left Danny feeling dismayed as he was asked: “The Latin term regina, often abbreviated to the letter R for instance in royal ciphers, translates into English as what word for a female monarch?”