Celebrity Mastermind branded ‘the worst half-hour in TV historical past’ as cringing viewers blast ‘painful’ blunders and rage ‘what did we do to deserve this?!’

Fuming Celebrity Mastermind viewers branded the latest episode the ‘worst 30 minutes in TV history’ after a string of ‘painful’ blunders.

In Monday’s (January 12) installment, host Clive Myrie welcomed four new famous faces to the iconic black chair.

They were JLS star JB Gill, comedian Susie McCabe, adventurer Lucy Shepherd and TV/radio personality Richie Anderson.

Writing on X, some viewers hit out at aspects including Susie’s specialist subject of Margaret Thatcher, as well as the line-up itself.

One penned: ‘Cannot bear to watch any more of #CelebMastermind… a round on Margaret Thatcher? Seriously?’

Another added: ‘A round on Thatcher (spits) and Richie Anderson as a ‘celebrity’… This could be the worst 30 mins in TV history!’

A third remarked: ‘The question researchers must be like, ‘wtf did I do to deserve this?’

While a fourth chimed in: ‘So far, they barely seem to know more about the world than I know about them. #CelebrityMastermind #Mastermind.’

Richie, 38, tackled Mel B as his specialist subject – only to be left mortified after getting a basic question about her wrong.

Clive asked: ‘Mel B joined the Spice Girls in 1994 and was usually known by what nickname?’

In response, Richie answered ‘Abrupt Spice’ – prompting Clive to correct him with the star’s iconic Scary Spice moniker – as he put his hands over his mouth.

A viewer wrote: ‘Erm, Richie Anderson’s specialist subject is Mel B. He thinks she was known in the Spice Girls as Abrupt Spice. #celebritymastermind.’

A second concurred: ‘Did he just say ‘Abrupt Spice’? #celebritymastermind.’

‘Abrupt Spice! WTAF! Richie Anderson!!!’, echoed a third.

Lucy – who had explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes as her specialist subject – ended the contest with just seven total points.

Meanwhile, Richie and JB tied for second with 13 points apiece and Susie was named the winner with 18 points.

Elsewhere, viewers also slammed last week’s episode of the quiz with scathing complaints.

This installment saw The Traitors star Alexander Dragonetti, comedian Janine Harouni, golfing legend Dame Laura Davies, and actor Greg McHugh battling it out to win money for charity.

The four battled it out on subjects that included subterranean London, the Toy Story films, the playing career of Stephen Gerrard and the original Indiana Jones trilogy.

Just minutes into the episode, viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to complain that despite being a spin-off for famous faces, they didn’t recognise any of the contestants.

One wrote: ‘Who are these so-called celebrities on Celebrity Mastermind?!’ as another chimed in: ‘Sat here watching Celebrity Mastermind supposedly and know of only one individual…’

Another added: ‘Does being on a reality show really make you a celebrity?’ as a fourth shared: ‘Yet again, I’m asking myself, who are these people?’

‘Loose definition of celebrity on tonight’s show for sure,’ a fifth penned, while someone else concluded: ‘Two people I know…’

At the end of the specialist subject round, former golfer Dame Laura was leading the field, having scored an impressive nine points – with comedian Janine and actor Greg tied on eight points and reality star Alexander trailing behind.

In the general knowledge round, Janine became the front runner, and won the episode after accumulating an impressive 17 points.

Celebrity Mastermind continues Monday on BBC Two and iPlayer.