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Only Connect host Victoria Coren Mitchell left viewers ‘traumatised’ after making a very crude joke about her BBC co-star Michael Portillo at the end of Monday’s episode.
The popular quiz show, first broadcast in 2008, consists of a tournament-type format in which teams compete by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
On the most recent instalment, Victoria welcomed The Uisge Beathas and the Crushers who went head to head on the BBC show.
She referenced an infamous joke about her having a crush on the former politician and journalist – but while some fans loved the jibe, others think she went ‘too far’.
Ending the show, Victoria said: Coming up next on BBC Two is another episode in that wonderful series sponsored by the RSPB, where celebrities look after birds before handing them on to other celebrities to raise awareness of struggling avian numbers.
‘I have so enjoyed watching big names on BBC Two passing their feathered dependents on to other presenters, so I decided to join in myself. Tonight, I will be eagerly taking several swallows from Michael Portillo. Goodnight.’
Only Connect host Victoria Coren Mitchell left viewers ‘traumatised’ after making a very crude joke about her former co-star Michael Portillo at the end of Monday’s episode
She referenced an infamous joke about her having a crush on the former politician and journalist (pictured in 2021) – but while some fans loved the jibe, others think she went ‘too far’
Viewers had mixed opinions as they rushed to social media after hearing the shocking innuendo, writing: ‘@VictoriaCoren full on choked at the closing comment on this evenings episode of #onlyconnect. Did not expect that.’
‘#onlyconnect a pretty near the knuckle innuendo by Victoria Coren at the end. I have no problem with that. Innuendo was part of being British. But what is the difference between what VC said & what Greg Wallace said?’
‘Eww @VictoriaCoren I can’t unhear that Portillo gag at the end of #Onlyconnect.’
‘Somewhat traumatised by @VictoriaCoren parting shot on #OnlyConnect tonight!!
‘Phenomenal Portillo gag in true ISIHAC style at the end of last night’s #OnlyConnect. Kudos, @VictoriaCoren for the deadpan delivery.’
‘Love @VictoriaCoren but have always hated the Portillo jokes. Sexist. Cheap. Not funny. Tonight’s was really unsuitable for a family quiz show #onlyconnect.’
‘That was close to the knuckle Victoria! Bloody brilliant! #swallows Best line on TV since….your last one!’
‘Did I imagine that she said that???’
‘@VictoriaCoren Your final comment tonight made up for the fact that I scored very few points! Just waiting for Samantha or Sven to turn up one week…’
On the most recent instalment, Victoria welcomed The Uisge Beathas and the Crushers who went head to head on the BBC show
Viewers had mixed opinions as they rushed to social media after hearing the shocking innuendo
And it’s not the first time Victoria has faced backlash, after viewers complained that they were ‘forced to mute’ the show after just seconds back in October
And it’s not the first time Victoria has faced backlash, after viewers complained that they were ‘forced to mute’ the show after just seconds back in October.
Introducing the show the star said: ‘Good evening. Due to the issues we had last week at the BBC compliance department, this week I’ve just gone back to AI , it’s much simpler.
‘This time I typed in ‘Only Connect intro funny letter’. It came back with this letter from Helen, who lives in the Matrix.’
She went on to explain that a mystery ‘Helen’ asked for help at being stuck in an AI world due to Victoria previously using the tool to write the show’s intro.
She then rounded up the introduction by saying: ‘Bit dramatic…’.
Victoria then went on to introduce the two teams as normal.
Viewers didn’t love the intro as they penned on X: ‘I love you, VCM, but for the love of all that’s good, stop these awful intros. #OnlyConnect.’
‘Here it comes the worst 30 seconds of the week. The opening monologue. #onlyconnect.’,
‘Can I unmute the telly yet? #onlyconnect.’,
‘#OnlyConnect VCM will look back at these intros and hold her head in her hands…I guess someone thought they were a good idea. ..Mmm…’
One viewer disagreed however, writing: ‘I like the intro. I’m clearly on a higher plain #OnlyConnect.’