Those tuning into ITV's Tipping Point this week might have noticed a big change to the quiz show's format. The popular daytime programme, which is fronted by Ben Shephard, has had a shake-up.
Tipping Point sees contestants take on an old-school coin machine in the hopes of winning big money. With multiple rounds, contestants must answer questions correctly in order to drop a coin and if it falls successfully, their cash prize rises.
This week, however, instead of four players taking on the extraordinary machine, just three have been going head-to-head in the hopes of winning a cash jackpot. With fewer players, there has also been a change to the second round, with contestants getting 45 seconds instead of 30.
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The changes have not gone unnoticed with many viewers reacting on social media. "What sorcery is this? Only 3 contestants. When did this travesty transpire?" asked one fan.
While another added: "Not sure how I feel about the new #TippingPoint changes," and a third said: "From 30 seconds to 45?! Oh, please stop! My heart can't handle so many drastic changes! #TippingPoint."
Ben announced there would be some changes when he introduced the first episode of series 12 on Monday, April 11. He told viewers at home: "Hello and welcome to Tipping Point, it's the start of a brand new series and we've got a brand new set-up. Three players will be facing our machine and they're all hoping to win thousands of pounds today."
Explaining how it would work, he added: "In round one you each start with three counters, questions are on the buzzer, you buzz in an give me a correct answer you'll have a choice to make. You can either choose to play one of your counters into the machine or if you think the machine isn't quite ready you can get one of your opponents to play theirs instead."
The new format has been introduced to mark Tipping Point's tenth anniversary. The quiz show launched in 2012 and is still as popular as ever.
Explaining the new rules that were introduced to celebrate the occasion, the official Tipping Point social media account said: "Brand New Tipping Point returns to ITV. And to celebrate 10 Years on your screen things have been shaken up in the studio a little... Join @benshephard from 4pm #TippingPoint."
And speaking about why people love the series so much, presenter Ben said: "A lot of it is to do with nostalgia, these old penny fall machines that we all loved playing as kids down at the end of the pier and then we give people a chance to come in and have a go." He added: "It's also a comfort and woven into everyday lives."
Tipping Point continues weekdays at 4pm on ITV. For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
