The controversy started among confirmed and potential contestants when taping of the first episode was delayed less than 12 hours before it was scheduled to start. The given reason was a problem caused by Melbourne's power blackouts three days earlier. However, speculation is that producer Michael Healy was asked a question at the Thursday night launch party, which was assessed as incorrect, despite the fact that he was right. Producers were not willing to chance problems at their first taping, hence inconveniencing the players, many of whom had taken time off work to attend the show. It is believed that around 30 contestants turned up to the taping on Friday, unaware that they were not required.