How did BBC let ex-student on university quiz show?
THE BBC has launched an investigation into claims that a member of the team that won University Challenge was not eligible to take part.
Corpus Christi College, Oxford, led by 26-year-old brainbox Gail Trimble, romped to victory over Manchester University in the grand final of the popular TV quiz show.
The programme, hosted by Jeremy Paxman, attracted a record 5.3 million viewers. But yesterday it was claimed that team-member Sam Kay – who told viewers he was studying chemistry – left university in June last year.
The rules of the programme state that a contestant must be a current student. Mr Kay is understood to have left Corpus Christi after failing to get funding for his PhD and is now working as an accountant.
He introduced himself as “Sam Kay from Frimley in Surrey and I’m studying chemistry” – despite having already achieved a First Class degree in the previous academic year.
To take part in the contest, it is understood he would leave work in Reading, Berks, and travel to join his teammates for filming in Manchester.
Mr Kay admitted that he had not been a student at Corpus Christi after the filming of the first two matches.
He said: “I was a student when I applied to be on the show and on the day when we filmed the first two rounds, so I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong.”
An Oxford University spokesman said: “Eligibility is a matter for the BBC and they are looking into it.”
In a statement, the BBC said: “We understand the allegations made and are taking the issue seriously.
“However we need time to investigate fully, so we will do so and report our findings early next week.”
Gail was dubbed the “human Google” after Corpus Christi’s victory. Much of the college’s success was down to her – scoring two-thirds of her team’s 1,200 points before the final.
Corpus Christi beat Manchester University by 275 points to 190 in the final. It is the second time the Oxford college has won the competition. It also took the title in 2005.
Founded in the early 16th Century, it is one of Oxford’s smaller colleges, with fewer than 400 students.
Last night the Manchester University team said they would not be looking for a rematch.
Matthew Yeo, team captain, said: “The University of Manchester University Challenge team has no desire to convene a repeat of the final.
“Reuben, Simon, Henry and I are firmly of the opinion that the best team won on the day and Corpus Christi College are deserving and worthy champions.”
Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday that Corpus Christi captain Gail has got engaged to her boyfriend of five years, Tom West, 27, a trainee solicitor and rector’s son, after he proposed to her on a Valentine’s break in Paris.
Mr West’s father, the Reverend Tim West, said: “We are absolutely delighted for them. I won’t be marrying them and I am delighted at that too. Gail and Tom are very private personalities and they wanted to keep this as their own private story.”
Gail lives with her brother Hugh, 24, in a semi close to Oxford.
He said last night: “I’m really proud of my sister. The family cannot believe the attention she is getting.”
