BBC Only Connect fans moan 'standards are slipping' as they spot error minutes into show

The belovedBBC quiz show Only Connect, hosted by the sharp-witted Victoria Coren Mitchell, has made its triumphant return to our screens with a brand-new series.

The quiz programme challenges teams to unravel the connections between seemingly unrelated clues in a battle of wits and knowledge.

In the latest series premiere, which graces our screens on Monday nights on BBC Two, eagle-eyed fans were left scratching their heads as they believed they spotted an error early in the episode.

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Victoria posed a question to one of the teams: "What is the connection between these, apparently random, picture clues?" as an image of snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan popped up, followed by a depiction of Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel universe.

The contestants quickly deduced that 'rocket' was the common link, a guess that Victoria confirmed as correct before revealing the remaining two images: a drawing of Stephenson's Rocket and a picture of rocket salad leaves, reports Wales Online.

But some viewers were adamant that the locomotive illustrated was not Stephenson's Rocket, prompting them to air their grievances on social media.

One disgruntled fan tweeted: "First mistake on the new series of @BBC #OnlyConnect. This is LOCOMOTION not Stephensons ROCKET @VictoriaCoren," attaching a photo of the contentious sketch.

Another viewer chimed in with disappointment: "Standards are slipping Robert," while yet another expressed surprise: "And on the very first question too!".

"Came here to the #OnlyConnect trending comments to see this! I got the answer in two, but if I'd needed a third this would have thrown me," chimed in another fan.

Another viewer also concurred, posting on X: "#onlyconnect Probably says more about me than anything else, but the picture of Stephenson's Rocket in round one tonight wasn't Stephenson's Rocket. It was Puffing Billy. I shall now go back to looking for my life down the back of the sofa."

Since its debut in 2008, Only Connect has won over quiz show enthusiasts and secured its place as a staple in British television.

The show consistently ranks as BBC Two's most viewed programme of the week, often sandwiched between Mastermind and University Challenge, contributing to the channel's popular quiz night line-up.

The Mirror has reached out to the BBC for a response

Only Connect continues on BBC Two at 9pm on Monday and episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer