Victoria Coren Mitchell compared to Gregg Wallace over 'traumatising' joke that sparks outrage
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Victoria Coren Mitchell may have taken things a little “too far” with her joke about her BBC co-star. The Only Connect host appeared on Monday night’s episode of the hit BBC quiz show, where she saw the The Uisge Beathas and the Crushers go head to head. But while the episode was everything fans have come to expect for the most part, Victoria’s intended-to-be witty outro has caused a divide among viewers.
After referencing an old joke about her rumoured crush on former politician and journalist Michael Portillo, 71, the star, 52, chose to make light of her “secret” affection and made a joke that left viewers with their jaws on the floor due to how crude it came across.
Beginning her closing monologue with a lengthy speech, she said: “Coming up next on BBC Two is another episode in that wonderful series sponsored by the RSPB, where celebrities look after birds before handing them on to other celebrities to raise awareness of struggling avian numbers.”.
While some may have been unsure where she was going with the gag, Victoria soon made it clear: “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.” She added: “Tonight, I will eagerly be taking several swallows from Michael Portillo.”.
Viewers quickly rushed to social media to share their reactions with one person admitting the joke left her “somewhat traumatised”, while another was so shocked, they weren’t sure if they had heard her correctly and asked: “Did I imagine that she said that???” The reactions didn’t stop there either, another unamused person said: “Love Victoria Choren but have always hated the Portillo jokes. Sexist. Cheap. Not funny. Tonight’s was really unsuitable for a family quiz show.”.
