Lee Mack's 1% Club Final Question Ignites Viewer Outrage
Lee Mack, the quick-witted British comedian known for his sharp humour and hosting chops, has once again put his ITV quiz show The 1% Club in the spotlight – but not for the right reasons. On the January 31, 2026, episode, a contentious final question left viewers scratching their heads and flooding social media with complaints, branding it a 'dodgy trick'. As the 57-year-old comic navigates the backlash, fans are debating whether the puzzle was genius or just plain unfair. Let's break down the drama, the question, and what it means for Mack's popular series.
The Episode That Sparked the Storm
Saturday nights on ITV belong to The 1% Club, where host Lee Mack challenges 100 contestants with escalating brain teasers designed to sift out the top 1% of lateral thinkers. Starting with questions that 90% of the public can nail, the difficulty ramps up dramatically, culminating in a high-stakes 1% puzzle worth up to £100,000. The show's format, inspired by psychological testing, has made it a hit since its 2022 debut, drawing in audiences who love the mix of tension, wit, and Mack's cheeky commentary.
In the latest instalment, contestant Amena emerged as the sole finalist after outsmarting the competition. With £10,000 already banked, she gambled it all for the £93,000 jackpot. But the final question – a visual riddle involving three cookery books – derailed her hopes and ignited fury among at-home viewers. Amena's answer of 14.9cm was incorrect; the 'right' solution was a baffling 7cm. Mack's explanation only added fuel to the fire, leaving many convinced the show pulled a fast one.
Unpacking the Controversial Puzzle
The question displayed three identical volumes of a cookery book series lined up on a shelf. Each book's pages total 5cm thick, with covers at 5mm each. The query: 'What is the distance in centimetres between the first page of volume one and the last page of volume three?'
At first glance, it seems straightforward – multiply thicknesses and add up. But Mack revealed the twist: 'When stored upright, the first page of a book is on the right, and the last page is on the left, so you only need to measure the pages of one book and four covers.' This implies ignoring the full span of the books, focusing instead on an internal measurement that skips the outer covers or pages in a way that defies intuitive reading.
Viewers were quick to cry foul. One tweeted: 'That was a bloody dodgy last question #The1PercentClub.' Another vented: 'That 1% Q makes no sense whatsoever.' A third called it 'a classic trick question,' while frustrated fans demanded: 'Gonna need the workings for this one!' Some even disputed the official answer, suggesting alternatives like 5.2cm (one book's pages plus four covers) or questioning why it wasn't 17cm. The debate highlights a core issue: is The 1% Club testing true intelligence, or just pedantic wordplay?
Lee Mack: From Stand-Up to Quiz Master
To understand the context, it's worth revisiting Lee Mack's journey. Born Lee Edward McKillop in 1973 in Blackburn, Lancashire, Mack honed his craft in the gritty world of stand-up comedy during the 1990s. His big break came with the BBC's They Think It's All Over in 2000, followed by starring roles in sitcoms like Not Going Out, which he's fronted since 2006. Mack's appeal lies in his everyman charm – self-deprecating, northern bluntness, and lightning-fast improv.
Transitioning to hosting, Mack brought that energy to The 1% Club, imported from Australia's Seven Network. Under his guidance, the UK version has thrived, averaging millions of viewers per episode. Mack's banter keeps the tension light, often poking fun at contestants' mishaps or his own 'thick' moments. But this controversy tests his Teflon reputation. Past episodes have had minor gripes, but none as viral as this, with social media buzz potentially boosting or harming the show's future seasons.
Viewer Reactions and Broader Implications
The backlash isn't isolated. Quiz shows like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and The Chase have faced similar scrutiny over ambiguous questions. For The 1% Club, the furore underscores the fine line between clever puzzles and frustrating tricks. Producers might defend it as intentional misdirection to mimic real-world lateral thinking, but fans argue it alienates casual viewers.
On platforms like Twitter (now X) and Facebook, hashtags like #The1PercentClub trended in the UK, with over 10,000 mentions post-airing. Positive takes praised Amena's grit, while critics worried it discourages participation. ITV has yet to respond officially, but Mack's post-show interviews often address such debates with humour, potentially diffusing tension in upcoming episodes.
Why This Matters for ITV Entertainment
The 1% Club is a cornerstone of ITV's weekend lineup, blending education with escapism in an era of streaming dominance. Lee Mack's involvement elevates it beyond generic quizzes – his comic timing makes losses entertaining. Yet, if controversies mount, it could push viewers to rivals like Channel 4's Million Pound Menu or Netflix originals.
Looking ahead, the show returns weekly on Saturdays via ITV and ITVX. Will this 'trick' question lead to format tweaks? Mack, ever the pro, likely has a punchline ready. As one viewer quipped: 'Lee Mack's face when explaining that was priceless – but the question? Not so much.'
In the world of British telly, where hosts like Mack keep us hooked, this row reminds us: intelligence isn't just about answers; it's about sparking conversation. Stay tuned for more on Lee Mack and The 1% Club – because in quiz land, the real prize is the debate.
Word count: 752
