BBC Mastermind viewers 'crying' as contestant shares emotional tribute at end of show

Mastermind fans were moved to tears during an emotional episode on Monday night.

The BBC show returned with Clive Myrie hosting as four new contestants competed.

The episode featured four contestants-Kaushik, Rachel, Laura, and John-each tackling specialist subjects, including Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories, Aaron Sorkin's The West Wing, and the Grand National-winning racehorse Red Rum.

Kaushik finished in fourth place with 12 points, Rachel scored 16, Laura earned 22, and John led with 24 points, securing a chance at the semi finals. At the end of the episode, John, who works as a school administrator and specialist subject was Red Rum, shared that his late wife had encouraged him to apply for the show before her passing.

He admitted: "Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think I'd be standing here." Clive then congratulated John on his victory: "You've done it, you've got 24 points." To which the contestant responded: "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.

"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."

One fan shared: "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.)

Another person added: "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!"

A third person wrote: "Oh John. Caroline would have been so proud of you." A fourth person commented: "Wasn't expecting that bombshell John, my fave subject ever, Rummy of course, and then the close, I'm not welling up!!!

Meanwhile fans were quick to comment on John's excellent knowledge of Red Rum. One person said: "Wow brilliant play by John on his subject - RedRum." A second person typed: "Dude on #Mastermind answering questions on Red Rum in about 10 minutes - and amazingly it's not @helynsar."

A third person chimed in: "Christ that bloke knew everything about Red Rum!"