What constitutes a specialist subject on Mastermind? The mating rituals of squirrels, the history of the Cadbury’s Cream Egg or the life and career of Jennifer Aniston? Monday night’s episode of the revered boffin-fest witnessed what some are calling a new low, with one contestant quizzed on the actress formerly known as Friends’ Rachel Green.

The producer, John Kelly, has been quick to defend the inclusion of a sitcom star’s CV as a worthy specialist subject, refuting claims that the show is succumbing to the modern horror of being dumbed down: “Mastermind has always had a balance of high brow and populist subjects. Monday night’s show is a classic case in point. Alongside Jennifer Aniston was the life and works of Frida Kahlo, German wines and the life and career of Henry Ford.

“Last week we had the life and work of Johannes Kepler and the Duke of Wellington, and next week’s show will feature Dante’s Divine Comedy, Sir Edwin Lutyens and the battle of Gettysburg.”

Former contestant Glenys Hopkins also stood behind the show adding: “I think the range of subjects is becoming broader, not dumber. If it’s all highly cultural and intellectual it may not keep the audience around. I don’t see why someone has to be dead to be considered worthy as a subject. Jennifer Aniston is a well-known actress with a good body of work behind her.”

Now, I understand the show’s need to maintain a relevance and profile in this fickle, celebrity-obsessed society of ours. I similarly understand the need to respect the diverse wisdoms of the individual and have even been heartened to see less intellectual snobbery in Mastermind. But you cannot convince me that Jennifer Aniston has a ‘”good body of work behind her” – I’ve sat through Along Came Polly – I can’t be fooled.

[via The Daily Mail]