TV

Pointless Celebrities accused of ‘cheating’ by viewers

Viewers questioned if rules are relaxed during celebrity charity episodes

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Pointless Celebrities’ Lydia Bright and Denise van Outen were accused of ‘cheating’ on the quiz, as viewers also pondered whether questions are easier on the celebrity version of the BBC One show.

Others, however, said if they’re playing for charity, does it really matter?

Fans were surprised that ex TOWIE star Lydia and fellow Essex native Denise were allowed to discuss their answers during the first round of the game last night, as they ‘went through the board’ as the last pair of contestants to play.

Didn’t they do well? Actually… (Credit: BBC)

As Lydia mistakenly identified the actor who plays EastEnders villain Max Branning as ‘Jack Wood’ rather than ‘Jake Wood’, Denise quickly jumped in with the correct reply.

Read more: Pointless contestant ruins friendship with most stupid answer ever

And although Pointless co-host Richard Osman laughed off the interruption as an answer “Denise gave to us”, fans on social media couldn’t help asking if a rule had been broken.

One viewer even suggested the duo should be booted off the show entirely.

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Lydia and Denise weren’t the only contestants to come under fire, however.

Comedian Arthur Smith was also criticised by some viewers after he didn’t state stand up Romesh Ranganathan’s name in full, and The One Show’s Michelle Ackerley was questioned for saying Holland – rather than the Netherlands – was a founding member of the EU.

Another viewer tweeted his suspicion the rules might not apply quite so strictly when famous faces are taking part – but did concede celebrity contestants are playing for charity, after all.

Actor Tyger Drew-Honey and former Tory Minister of State for Prisons Ann Widdecombe were the episode’s winners, donating their purse to Tyger’s charity, Cancer Research, and Ann’s charity, a donkey sanctuary.

Essex pair were playing for charity (Credit: @TVsPointless on Twitter)

Tyger and Ann successfully guessed a pointless answer – well, Tyger did anyway! – on their first try in the final round, when answering a question on the UK’s wealthiest sporting stars.

One viewer tweeted afterwards: “Well done!!! Very worthy cause.”

Another agreed: “Came home from a terrible day at work and watched Tyger win Pointless! Really made my day. Money is going to a great cause.”

ED! has contacted reps for Pointless, Denise and Lydia.

Pointless Celebrities is next on BBC One on Saturday 5 May at 7.40pm.

Do you think the celebs ‘cheated’? Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix!


Robert Leigh
Freelance writer