Mastermind Error - Justice delivered

[gen2]

Just over a week ago, I highlighted an error on Mastermind on this thread:-

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Quizzes-and-Puz zles/Question480278.html

I have now had a reply from the BBC and an outcome which is the best possible in the circumstances - vis. The contestant gets an apology and a place on the next series of Mastermind. (Though the Producer passes the blame onto the Production team)

Here is the text of the reply:-

Thank you for your query regarding 'Mastermind', and specifically, the question regarding the chemical symbol for Thallium.

Due to an error on our part, this was wrongly given as Ti (which is actually the symbol for titanium) rather than Tl. In the heat of the moment, John Humphrys mistook a lowercase 'L' (l) for an uppercase I (I). However it was entirely the responsibility of the production team to spot this potential pitfall before the recording took place and to have picked up on the error during the actual recording.

Fortunately, this error didn't affect the result of the contest as the contender in question lost by two clear points. However, we obviously we take any mistakes very seriously on 'Mastermind', and we will do our utmost to ensure that it is not repeated. We will also be offering the contender in question a full apology and the opportunity to come back on the next series of 'Mastermind'.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention; I hope it did not interfere with your enjoyment of the programme.

Yours faithfully

Jon Kelly
Series Producer Mastermind

[kayakamina]

Well done to Gen2 on picking up on the mistake and to the BBC for their gracious acknowledment of it and their intention to apologise to the contestant.

[podger123]

Well Done gen2...... But what about the poor chap who couldn't hear the questions. Did you mention him?
Podge

[Munden]

Whilst agreeing that the contestant lost by two points, she was obviously put off by her answer of Titanium being given as incorrect as she made a few wrong answers shortly afterwards. I feel it did make a difference. I think she should be invited back for the next series.

[novalis]

Well done gen2. It's always nice when you get such apositive response.