MASTERMIND fans are to spend today avoiding their tablets and smartphones for the result after the BBC decided to show the Grand Finale last night in England, 24 hours ahead of Scotland.
Viewers south of the Border already know the identity of the contestant who won the prize after BBC2 show was replaced in Scotland by coverage of Leinster v Glasgow Warriors in the PRO12 series.
Mastermind's showpiece event will finally be screened here tonight, infuriating fans of the show.
One female viewer said: "The prospect of finding out the winner ahead of the programme takes the whole shine off the occasion.
"I have faithfully followed every round until now and I can't believe the BBC has got this so wrong for Scottish viewers."
She was told by the BBC that other people had complained about the decision. She added: "The people behind this decision can't say sympathetic scheduling is their specialised subject."
Six contestants battled it out for in black chair for the prestigious glass bowl.
Specialist subjects include The Falklands Conflict, The Ashes 1964-1981 and the life of ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev.
A BBC Scotland spokesman said: "We had considered putting on Mastermind later at 9.30 pm, but if the rugby overran we would have had to postpone it. It is securely scheduled the following night on BBC Two Scotland."
She added the decision to show the rugby was not taken lightly, adding that Mastermind fans would have been able to watch the show on its digital formats.
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