Victoria Coren Mitchell blasted for ‘cheap and sexist’ joke about BBC co-star

Victoria Coren Mitchell has been blasted by BBC viewers for a ‘cheap and sexist’ joke.

The presenter, 52, often divides viewers with her quips on Only Connect, however, she’s now been accused of taking things ‘too far’.

Closing off Monday’s episode, Victoria joked: ‘And coming up next on BBC Two is another episode in that wonderful series sponsored by the RSPB, where celebrities look after birds before handing them on to other celebrities to raise awareness of struggling avian numbers.

‘I have so enjoyed watching the big names of BBC Two passing their feathered dependents onto other presenters that I’ve decided to join in myself!

‘And tonight, I will be eagerly taking several swallows from Michael Portillo.’

Her comments left fans ‘traumatised’, with viewer @Pam_P73 writing on X: ‘Somewhat traumatised by @VictoriaCoren parting shot on #OnlyConnect tonight!!’

‘@VictoriaCoren you took it too far,’ @UrgleyClark commented.

‘Eww @VictoriaCoren I can’t unhear that Portillo gag at the end of #Onlyconnect,’ @wooshy90 said.

‘Love @VictoriaCoren but have always hated the Portillo jokes. Sexist. Cheap. Not funny. Tonight’s was really unsuitable for a family quiz show,’ @HuffleChuff said.

@8lelly8 wrote: ‘@VictoriaCoren full on choked at the closing comment on this evenings episode of #onlyconnect. Did not expect that.’

‘Utter filth,’ @lushattic added.

Other fans defended Victoria’s joke, branding it ‘phenomenal’.

@krilencu wrote: ‘Phenomenal Portillo gag in true ISIHAC style at the end of last night’s #OnlyConnect. Kudos, @VictoriaCoren for the deadpan delivery.’

‘Oh Victoria!!’ @SusieL laughed.

This isn’t the first time Victoria – who is married to and shares two children with Peep Show actor David Mitchell – has addressed a rumoured crush on politician and journalist Portillo.

She wrote in The Guardian in 2016: ‘My Only Connect persona – who is very like me, but just different enough to maintain sanity – is always talking about Michael Portillo.

‘He’s perfect for her. Dark, enigmatic, faintly Spanish… Knowledgeable, quirky, with hints of a sexually adventurous past…

‘I once ended a show by saying: “I’m going to hurry back to my dressing room where I hope to find Michael Portillo, sitting naked atop a crate of rioja, challenging me to wrestle him off.”’

Metro approached the BBC and Victoria’s rep for comment.

Only Connect airs Mondays at 8pm on BBC Two.

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