BBC Mastermind viewers were left confused on Monday night when a contestant 'went missing' shortly after the programme began. The quiz show, hosted by Clive Myrie, typically features four contestants, but only three appeared, with one chair empty.
Fans took to social media to express their bewilderment. One viewer tweeted: 'I’ve just tuned in, can someone tell me why one of the chairs on #mastermind is empty?' Another remarked: 'The most dramatic OPENING scene of an episode of Mastermind EVER!'
The mystery was resolved when Clive Myrie explained: 'Now, you will have noticed that there are three contenders in the spotlight tonight, rather than the usual four. That's because the person in seat two has withdrawn from this programme.' He did not provide further details about the withdrawal.
Viewers were not satisfied with the explanation. One commented: 'Three contestants? Couldn't they find an intern to fill-in?' Another fumed: 'Surely they could have found a late substitute for the missing contender on #Mastermind? Weak episode.'
Clive Myrie took over as presenter from John Humphrys last year. Humphrys had hosted the show for 13 years, succeeding Magnus Magnusson. Myrie, a BBC News at Six and Ten presenter, described the role as a 'dream come true'.
