In a dramatic turn of events, every single finalist was eliminated during the ultimate challenge on the latest episode of ITV's popular quiz show, The 1% Club. The brain-teasing final question, which aired on Saturday 17th January 2026, proved too difficult for the five remaining contestants, leaving them empty-handed and viewers at home baffled.
The Final Conundrum That Wiped Out The Competition
Hosted by the quick-witted comedian Lee Mack, the show pits 100 contestants against a series of logic and puzzle-based questions. The difficulty escalates rapidly, starting with a question 90% of people should get, culminating in the notoriously tough 1% question. Only those in the top percentile of problem-solvers are expected to crack it within the strict 30-second time limit, with a chance to win £100,000.
This week, the final five were presented with a word puzzle involving celebratory balloons. The scenario described Vince's friends buying balloons to spell 'STAG LOCATION', with other friends insisting on buying additional balloons to spell the word 'CONGRATULATIONS'.
The contestants were asked: "What were the other three balloon letters he needed to buy for them to be able to display the word CONGRATULATIONS?"
The Answer That Eluded Everyone
Despite their best efforts, all five contestants got the answer wrong. A sympathetic Lee Mack revealed the correct solution: the letters R, U and N.
By adding RUN to STAG LOCATION, you can rearrange all the letters to form CONGRATULATIONS. Mack commiserated with the group, stating, "Unlucky, commiserations none of you made it into the 1% Club! Congratulations on getting as far."
Viewers React: 'Easy' or Elusive?
Following the broadcast, the show's official account on X (formerly Twitter) posted the question to its followers, prompting a wave of reactions. While the puzzle defeated the studio contestants, many viewers at home claimed victory.
One social media user declared it was the "first one I actually got when no one else did," while another simply labelled it "Easy." Others echoed the sentiment, with one posting, "omg first one i got right!!" and another calling it "One of the easiest 1% questions you have done."
Some fans enjoyed a playful pun on the answer, with one joking: "Wonder did he have to 'RUN' to get them?!" Another admitted, "Got this one only just on time tho!" highlighting the pressure of the 30-second clock.
The 1% Club continues to test the nation's logic and problem-solving skills every Saturday night on ITV and ITVX.
