Page "Room 101 (TV series)" Paragraph 9

When Merton became keeper in 1999, the rules were very straightforward, the conditions for choosing a bonus item or releasing an item were relaxed, the music removed, and the conveyor belt replaced by an elevated trapdoor.

The conversation tended to be more relaxed, reflecting Merton's nature.

Merton was often hesitant when asked to put animals into Room 101, normally saying, " You're asking me to get rid of an entire species ", but he normally backed down.

Merton generally put items into the room even if initially he did not want to.