Stuart Pearce Triumphs On Celebrity Mastermind Amid Viewer Backlash

On January 26, 2026, BBC Two aired a fresh episode of Celebrity Mastermind, with the ever-composed Clive Myrie back in the iconic black chair, steering a quartet of famous faces through the quiz show’s famously intense rounds. The episode, which began at 7:30 pm, promised a blend of general knowledge and specialist trivia, but what unfolded was a fiercely competitive – and, at times, divisive – contest that had viewers talking, for better or worse.

This week’s line-up was nothing short of eclectic. Former England footballer Stuart Pearce, best known for his tough-as-nails playing style and more than 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest, took on the specialist subject of UK punk rock from 1975 to 1979. Alongside him sat Gemma Cairney, the vibrant BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 presenter, whose chosen topic was the life and work of British artist Pamela Colman Smith. Comedian Axel Blake, who shot to fame as the 2022 winner of Britain’s Got Talent, tackled the history of Marvel Comics, while actor and writer Phil Dunning, celebrated for his role in the BBC sitcom Smoggie Queens, delved into the life of TV legend Paul O’Grady.

The show’s format is simple, but the pressure is anything but. Each celebrity faces a first round of questions on their chosen subject, followed by a general knowledge round. The winner walks away with the trophy and a cash prize for their selected charity, while the rest hope to avoid the ignominy of a low score in front of a national audience.

Stuart Pearce, whose footballing career saw him capped 78 times for England and later move into management roles with clubs like Manchester City and Nottingham Forest, quickly set the pace. In his specialist round, Pearce racked up nine points on UK punk rock, displaying a depth of knowledge that surprised some viewers but impressed many more. He followed this up with a commanding performance in the general knowledge round, ultimately finishing with a total of 18 points. Pearce’s victory secured the coveted Celebrity Mastermind trophy and a win for his chosen charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Reflecting on his experience, Pearce told the BBC, "It was very similar to football, you walk on the pitch, you've got to deliver, and it was just wow. It was just an incredible experience, I've got to say, fantastic."

Phil Dunning, who has also appeared in hit comedies like Am I Being Unreasonable? and voiced characters in James Acaster’s podcast Springleaf, put up a strong fight. Specialising in Paul O’Grady, Dunning finished in second place with 16 points. Gemma Cairney, whose radio work has included interviews with artists such as Tracey Emin and hosting The Leisure Society on Radio 4, ended with a respectable 13 points after her round on Pamela Colman Smith. Both contestants demonstrated a breadth of knowledge and composure under the studio lights.

But it was Axel Blake’s performance that became the episode’s most talked-about moment, and not for the reasons he might have hoped. Blake, whose comedy career took off after Simon Cowell awarded him the ‘Golden Buzzer’ on Britain’s Got Talent, entered the competition with Marvel Comics as his specialist subject. However, he managed just two points in the first round, a result that left both the studio audience and viewers at home stunned. The comedian’s struggles continued in the general knowledge round, where he added just two more points to his tally, ending the night with a total of four.

Social media lit up with reactions, many of them less than charitable. According to Express.co.uk, one viewer fumed, "I deserve a refund on the license fee, s**t tv." Another posted, "Seriously though, this is not acceptable. It is utterly painful to watch." The criticism wasn’t just limited to Blake’s specialist round: "I hope he is better at comedy. Decent comedians are usually better at this, though, aren't they?" one viewer mused. Others pointed out the common pitfall of choosing a topic out of passion rather than preparation, with one remarking, "Axel Blake has fallen into the trap of liking something, but not doing any revision for being asked questions about it." The online backlash even included a viewer who said, "I've just turned over and I thought it was a comedy about thick people, until I realised again that it's Celebrity Mastermind."

Despite the criticism, there was a sense of empathy for the contestants facing such a high-pressure environment. As one Twitter user summed up, "Two.!? Two.!?! Mmm, he is going to have to do well in the general knowledge to win this." But even after the second round, Blake’s total remained at four, securing him last place for the evening.

While Blake’s performance drew the most attention, the episode was a showcase of how unpredictable Celebrity Mastermind can be. For Pearce, the transition from football pitch to quiz chair was smoother than expected, as he compared the experience to walking onto the field for a big match. For Dunning and Cairney, the night was a chance to highlight their lesser-known passions and demonstrate their breadth of knowledge outside their usual fields.

The episode also gave viewers a glimpse into the backgrounds of the contestants. Pearce’s football legacy, spanning more than a decade at Nottingham Forest and stints with Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Manchester City, is well documented. He even briefly returned to the pitch in 2016 for a grassroots campaign with Gloucestershire side Longford. Cairney’s radio career has made her a familiar voice to millions, while Blake’s rapid ascent in comedy has seen him perform at the Royal Variety Performance and appear on shows like America’s Got Talent: All Stars and Don’t Hate The Playaz. Dunning, meanwhile, continues to make waves in television and podcasting, bringing his comedic talents to a range of roles.

For all the drama, disappointment, and delight, Celebrity Mastermind remains a fixture of British television, offering both its contestants and its viewers a blend of high stakes, tough questions, and the occasional viral moment. Whether you’re a quiz aficionado or just in it for the spectacle, this week’s episode certainly delivered plenty to talk about.

With another trophy awarded and another round of social media debate, the show rolls on, reminding us that even the most seasoned celebrities can find themselves stumped under the glare of the spotlight.