BBC viewers left outraged by 'awful' format change as they issue same demand

BBC Two's Only Connect has left a number of its fans unimpressed after an "audio-based special" was aired on Monday (May 12).

The brain-teasing show, hailed for its challenging word puzzles and daunting Missing Vowels round under the steady command of Victoria Coren Mitchell, found itself at the centre of online backlash.

The uproar occurred during the Connections round, where teams are usually tasked with figuring out what links up to four seemingly unrelated items.

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In a departure from the norm, the clues were presented as audio and musical snippets – a format that has been used sporadically on the show but continues to be widely disliked by a portion of the audience.

Such a twist is not new to the series, but it notoriously divides viewers, with some adamant that these soundbite challenges disrupt the show's intellectual feel.

Die-hard fans have been particularly vocal about their aversion, arguing that Only Connect should stick to its roots and leave the audio questions out of the picture.

One disgruntled viewer wrote on social media: "This awful music format should never happen again. Switching channels," while another lamented, "I love Only Connect, but as soon as the music round starts I'm out."

A third viewer similarly expressed dismay, saying, "It's a quiz for thinkers, not karaoke night," reports .

Elsewhere, Victoria Coren Mitchell is preparing to embark on a fresh venture away from her familiar position steering the formidable Only Connect ship, promising something new for her followers.

The 52-year-old quiz show host, known for her role in Two's Only Connect since 2008, is set to take a turn as guest host on Have I Got News For You.

Her highly anticipated episode is scheduled for broadcast on Friday, May 23, where she'll share the stage with comedian Chris McCausland and broadcasting legend Janet Street-Porter.

The star is no stranger to Have I Got News For You as she will be making her 18th appearance on the show.

Expect sparks to fly as this dynamic trio deliver a mix of humour, seasoned insight, and straight-talking critique in the coveted Friday night programme.

Victoria has earned a name for herself, not just for her intellect but for her trademark deadpan comedy, having presented over 500 episodes across 20 series of Only Connect's challenging quiz format.

Away from the bright lights of television, Victoria is a devoted mother to her two daughters with her husband, acclaimed Peep Show actor David Mitchell.

Speaking openly with the Evening Standard in a 2012 interview, Victoria previously revealed her thoughts on motherhood: "I hadn't experienced the yearning that some women feel to start a family.

"I never had that point that a lot of my friends went through in their early to mid-twenties when they decided that they absolutely wanted children. But I am slightly obsessed with children [so] I absolutely still might."

Only Connect is available to stream on BBC iPlayer