December 18th 2024.
Get ready, BBC viewers, because Victoria Coren Mitchell has once again caused a stir with her quick wit and sharp humor on Only Connect. This time, however, her joke has been met with some backlash from fans who feel she may have crossed a line.
As the episode came to a close on Monday night, Victoria couldn't resist making a playful jab at the RSPB-sponsored show where celebrities care for birds and pass them on to other famous individuals to raise awareness for bird conservation. She quipped, "I have so enjoyed watching the big names of BBC Two passing their feathered dependents onto other presenters that I've decided to join in myself! And tonight, I will be eagerly taking several swallows from Michael Portillo."
While some viewers found the joke hilarious, others were not impressed. One fan, @Pam_P73, even claimed to be "traumatised" by Victoria's closing remark. And @UrgleyClark went as far as to say, "You took it too far, Victoria."
Even @wooshy90 couldn't help but cringe at the thought of the joke, writing, "Eww, I can't unhear that Portillo gag at the end of #OnlyConnect." And @HuffleChuff was disappointed, saying, "Love Victoria Coren but have always hated the Portillo jokes. Sexist. Cheap. Not funny. Tonight's was really unsuitable for a family quiz show."
But not everyone was put off by Victoria's humor. @8lelly8 even admitted to choking on their drink at the unexpected comment, while @lushattic simply declared it "utter filth." And some fans, like @krilencu, praised the joke for its "deadpan delivery" and likened it to a moment from the popular radio show, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.
This isn't the first time Victoria has made a quip about her supposed crush on Michael Portillo, who is a politician and journalist. In a 2016 article for The Guardian, she wrote, "My Only Connect persona – who is very like me, but just different enough to maintain sanity – is always talking about Michael Portillo." She even ended a previous episode with a suggestive line about finding him naked in her dressing room.
As for Victoria's personal life, she is married to Peep Show actor David Mitchell and they have two children together. The Metro reached out to both the BBC and Victoria's representative for comment on the controversy. Only Connect airs on Mondays at 8pm on BBC Two. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency – they would love to hear from you.
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