Was he xenophobic?

After watching the recently concluded Child Genius UK 2019 a couple of times, I think it is reasonable to assume that the conductor was openly favouring one contestant.

Every time when William gives a correct answer, the conductor was quick to compliment him by saying “Well done William”.

This he did five times to William during the competition and once to the other and that too was very tersely.

I think she deserves complimenting openly more because she managed to give the correct answer twice when William failed to do so.

How would you describe this behaviour?

Was he xenophobic?

Should such people be given such opportunities even in this century?