BBC Mastermind fans in tears as contestant shares tragic reason for appearing on show

by · Birmingham Live

Mastermind viewers were left reaching for the tissues after an emotional instalment of the BBC show on Monday night.

The popular quiz show presented by Clive Myrie saw four contestants - Kaushik, Rachel, Laura, and John - vie for the top seat, answering questions on topics like Sherlock Holmes lore, Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing series and famed racehorse Red Rum.

In a touching revelation, John, who trailed ahead with 24 points and progressed to the semi-finals, said it was his late wife who had pushed him to apply for Mastermind.

With great emotion, he said: "Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think I'd be standing here."

Host Clive Myrie commended him: "You've done it, you've got 24 points."

BBC Mastermind fans in tears as contestant shares tragic reason for appearing on show (Image: (Image: BBC))

To which John sincerely replied: "I was very much instructed by my wife to apply. And if you knew Caroline, you wouldn't have any doubt that I duly applied."

Reflecting on a poignant loss, John added: "But it was sad, my darling wife Caroline unfortunately died as the show was about to be made. So this one is for you, Caro."

Their story captured the hearts of the audience as many people took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the touching tribute, reports the Express.

One viewer posting online: "The man who won Mastermind tonight said his wife died just before the show was filmed and it was all for her I can't deal with this (crying emoji.)".

John said that his wife encouraged him to apply to the show (Image: (Image: BBC))

Another commented: "Did not have getting emotional at an episode of #mastermind on my 2024 bingo card. John you are a wee dote. I hope your lovely wife is watching down on you smiling!"

Someone else tweeted: "Oh John. Caroline would have been so proud of you."

Emotions continued to run high as another viewer shared: "Wasn't expecting that bombshell John, my fave subject ever, Rummy of course, and then the close, I'm not welling up! ! ! #mastermind."

Mastermind fans were highly emotional during the show

John's prowess on Red Rum did not go unnoticed, with fans heaping praise on his performance. One said: "Wow brilliant play by John on his subject - RedRum."

While someone else expressed admiration, adding: "Dude on #Mastermind answering questions on Red Rum in about 10 minutes - and amazingly it's not @helynsar."

Mastermind is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.