BBC's Only Connect host Victoria Coren Mitchell came under fire after referring to contestants as "idiots" during the latest episode on Monday, February 24.

The outspoken host of the challenging and intellectually demanding quiz show returned to offer up the title of third place finisher as she put contestants' lateral thinking and general knowledge to the test.

Two teams, the Cat Cows and the Crunchers were introduced to fans by Mitchell, who explained that they were battling it out in the third-place play-offs.

She gushed over their ability to make it so far in the competition, however she closed her statement by saying: "To finish third in the actual competition is a towering achievement and the people here are intellectual giants.

"They're just idiots compared to people in the final. And those idiots are..." She then went on to introduce the teams, with some appearing to laugh at the joke, but others offered up a deadpan expression.

Fans were not amused, taking to X to blast the star and demanding she apologise.

"Not many quizzers would laugh at being called idiots," blasted one fan.

Another penned: "Bit rude of Victoria Coren Mitchell to call them idiots. Can't imagine those smiles were real. She should apologise! #OnlyConnect."

When chatting to the Cat Cows, she then said: "It's a stretch they've made it this far" before clarifying it was a "yoga joke".

This isn't the first time Mitchell has faced backlash for making a swipe at the contestants. She recently urged the players to "move on" after being called out for a "filthy" swipe at a pop star by one of the guests.

During one round, contestants had to figure out how Carly Rae Jepson and her fans, Father Christmas and Peter Pevensie, Elves of Rivendell and Aragon were all linked together.

The answer related to the giving of swords, with the 52-year-old saying: 'Well somebody put on Tumblr they want to give Carly Rae Jepson a sword, I like her and think she should have one.'

An awkward player told her: "I think that's a euphemism..."

They all burst into laughter and Victoria confessed: "That never occurred to me. Oh my lord!"

"Well, what's happened is people have given her inflatable swords. People turn up...but it now sounds filthy. Let's move on."

Those watching at home also found the moment hilarious.

One said on X: "That guy from the teatotallers pointing out the sword euphemism is the funniest thing I've seen for a long time." Another added: "Bradley and the euphemism. Brilliant. #onlyconnect."

The Crunchers ultimately took home third place and fans were thrilled with the result.

"#onlyconnect The two nicest teams played out the 3/4 place brilliantly. Shame they weren't in the final." Another added: "An excellent third place playoff on #onlyconnect and my favourite team won it! Huzzah!"