London, Aug 15 (ANI): Brit quiz show 'Mastermind' has been slammed for including questions on pop icons and their works after a contestant chose Jennifer Aniston as her specialist subject.

The show that was once popular as the most rigorous quiz drill has been lambasted for 'dumbing down'.

A string of populist subjects that have been taken on the show triggered the controversy that the show has lowered the tone of quiz.

"To choose Jennifer Aniston as a specialist subject seems to be lowering the tone of the quiz," Telegraph quoted Nick Seaton, the chairman of the Campaign for Real Education, as saying.

However, Jon Kelly, the programme's producer has defended the show and said that along with Aniston, specialist subjects like art, and automobile were also included in the show.

"Alongside Jennifer Aniston was the life and works of Frida Kahlo, German wines and the life and career of Henry Ford," he said.

"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," he added.

The original Mastermind ran for 25 years form 1972 to 1997 and the show as later revived in 2003 with John Humphrys as quizmaster. (ANI)