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Celebrity Mastermind Viewers Question ‘Celebrity’ Line-Up in Latest Episode

Viewers questioned the casting over unfamiliar names.

Overview

  • The 2 January 2026 episode featured Colson Smith, Nadia Jae, Grace Campbell and Blue Peter presenter Joel M in the BBC quiz’s black chair.
  • Contestants chose specialist subjects including Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa, Marvel’s Avengers films, Robin Williams and Derren Brown.
  • Many social media posts said only one or two of the guests were widely recognisable, criticizing the BBC’s selection for the celebrity edition.
  • Some audiences also complained that the celebrity version has easier questions than the main show, though others welcomed the programme’s return.
  • The spin-off, which has run since 2002 and has previously included names such as Stephen Fry and Paul O’Grady, is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.