The two-hour special, which has become a Christmas television tradition since launching in 2004, featured three celebrity pairings competing to demonstrate their knowledge of the past year’s events.

Jonathan Ross partnered with Ted Lasso star Nick Mohammed, whilst Katherine Ryan joined forces with GameFace creator Roisin Conaty.

|

CHANNEL 4

The third team comprised Richard Ayoade and Lou Sanders, both fresh from their appearance on Prime Video’s LOL: Last One Laughing UK.

The programme included its customary segments, with Mitchell Brook Primary School pupils contributing questions.

However, the programme quickly drew criticism from viewers after incorporating artificial intelligence into an early segment.

The show recreated a viral Instagram trend from spring 2025, which saw users generate AI images of themselves as boxed Barbie dolls, complete with miniature accessories.

|

CHANNEL 4

Each panellist received their own AI-created doll version, featuring items supposedly associated with them – Ms Ryan’s included a Botox needle, whilst Mr Ayoade’s came with a book, and Ms Sanders’ featured healing crystals.

Mr Carr’s AI doll depicted him with multiple different faces.

The trend had flooded social media earlier in the year, typically showing figures alongside items such as matcha lattes and AirPods.

However, the decision to incorporate AI was widely panned by several watching at home. “I’ve watched @Channel4 #BigFatQuiz for at least ten years, and five minutes in the shows using AI? Way to lose a fan base damn,” one X user complained.

Meanwhile, a second criticised: “Disgusted and saddened to see #bigfatquiz of the year using AI to generate gag doll images.

“Images so half-assed that nobody checked the output. One of them has two magic wands that don’t look like wands, and Jimmy’s is a recycled tax joke from five years ago.”

And another fumed: “Not even two minutes into #BigFatQuiz and they’ve already stopped down to AI slop.”

The complaints weren’t limited to the AI segment of the show, however, with some Channel 4 viewers using social media to voice their disappointment in Ms Conaty and Ms Ryan’s output, in particular.

|

CHANNEL 4

The pair were accused of being “unfunny” and purposefully “ruining” the quiz show format with their innuendos and crude gags.

“F*** me katherine ryan and roisin conaty are so unfunny I’ve turned it off #bigfatquiz,” one X user admitted.

A second echoed: “Katherine and Roison being the most unfunny duo on #BigFatQuiz. Purposely getting every question wrong and making sex jokes instead DOESNT MAKE YOU FUNNY.”

“Remembering when the #BigFatQuiz was an Xmas tv highlight. What happened??” a third questioned, while a fourth again referenced the comedians: “Roisin and Katherine are completely ruining the show, trying to be funny and not succeeding even in the slightest #BigFatQuiz.” (sic)

Ms Ryan ignored the backlash when she returned to social media following the broadcast, instead focussing on her first Christmas with her newborn fourth child.

Sharing some heartwarming family snaps, Ms Ryan said: “I was wholly unable to get a suitable family Christmas photo signed off by everyone, and despite the prominent dummy in this one, I love it enough to take the top spot out of my many attempts.

“Thank you to everyone who’s made our children smile this year. The nursery staff, the reception teachers, the party princesses, the elves all week, our friends, any producers who’ve allowed Holland into dressing rooms, Taylor Swift (obv), Bluey, Peppa Pig, the Super Mario Brothers, @offthekerbcomedy (for the money), our hygienist who’s got Fred comfortable with visiting the dentist, chatty drivers, the postman, friendly shopkeepers, our families and their (very patient) video chats. Wishing everyone peace on earth in 2026.” (sic)