BBC Mastermind viewers were clueless as contestant ‘disappeared’ minutes after show started

Audiences watching BBC Mastermind were left baffled when one of the show’s contestants disappeared in what fans called ‘the show’s most dramatic opening scene – ever’

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Mastermind viewers confused when contestant went missing

BBC’s Master Viewers couldn’t help but panic when a contestant ‘disappeared’ right after the show started.

The program, presented by Clive Myrie, 57, often places four brain boxes facing each other.

On Monday night’s show, however, there were only three contestants – with an empty seat.

Crazy fans, expecting a full home, have arrived Twitter to find out what’s going on.

One said: “I just watched, can someone tell me why one of the seats on #mastermind is empty?”

Another asked: “#mastermind Why is there an empty chair?”

While a third mused: ‘The most impressive OPENING scene of a Mastermind episode EVER! “

The mystery has finally been solved by Clive, a familiar face on BBC News.

Revealing the reason for the guest’s absence, he said: “Now you’ll notice that there are three candidates in the spotlight tonight, instead of the usual four.

“That’s because the person in the second seat has withdrawn from this program.”

Clive did not explain why the person withdrew, but fans were not satisfied with the newsreader’s explanation.

One person tweeted: “”Three contestants? They can’t find a student internship to fill out? “

While another expressed concern: “Surely they could have found a late replacement for the missing candidate on #Mastermind? Weak episode.”

Clive landed a prestigious gig from veteran broadcaster John Humphrys last year.

John is the fourth host of the popular show that he has been on in 13 years.

In a nod to the show’s famous catchphrase, John said goodbye to the role in his style, writing: “I started 18 years ago – a very long time in the fleeting world of showbiz. Now, after more than 750 shows, it’s really time to come to an end.

Talking about his pride at being awarded the prestigious baton, Clive said: “It is a privilege to take on this new role. Mastermind together with Magnus Magnusson set the stage for my youth and now being headed is a dream come true.

“I’m excited and can’t wait to get involved.”

A regular presenter of BBC News At Six and Ten since 2010, Clive has previously worked as a reporter in Asia, Africa, Washington, Paris as well as Brussels.

He has also appeared in a number of other BBC programmes, including Have I Got News for You and I’ll Lie to You?.

Mastermind airs at 8pm on Mondays on BBC Two