University Challenge

Documentary looking at the history of the iconic quiz show, featuring famous ex-contestants such as Stephen Fry and John Simpson, plus hosts Bamber Gascoigne and Jeremy Paxman.

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Christmas University Challenge is a series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. The University of York takes on the University of Manchester in a first-round match, with guests including broadcaster and political columnist Steve Richards and Urban Splash Chairman Tom Bloxham MBE. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2011 - Episode 2

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December 20, 2011 • 29m

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Christmas University Challenge is a series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. In the second of the first round matches, graduates representing both Durham University and the University of Edinburgh fight it out for a place in the semi finals. Guests include author Minette Walters and politician Lord Steel. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2011 - Episode 3

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December 21, 2011 • 29m

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Christmas University Challenge is a series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. Magdalen College, Oxford do battle with University College London for a place in the semi-finals. Graduate guests include novelist Alan Hollinghurst and newsreader Fiona Armstrong. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2011 - Episode 4

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December 22, 2011 • 29m

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Christmas University Challenge is a series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. It is the penultimate first round match of the series, with graduates from both the University of Warwick and the University of Sheffield fighting it out in a bid to get through to the semi-finals. On the Warwick team, writer and broadcaster Christian Wolmar and on the Sheffield team, head of Radio One George Ergatoudis. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2011 - Episode 5

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December 24, 2011 • 29m

Christmas 2013 - Reading v Emmanuel College, Cambridge

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December 20, 2013 • 30m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.

The first match is between the University of Reading, with BBC weather presenter Jay Wynne and writer Joan Smith, and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, with writer and comedian Rory McGrath and broadcaster Mary-Ann Ochota.

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December 27, 2013 • 30m

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In another first round match in the series for grown-ups, broadcaster Suzy Klein and writer Rowan Pelling represent St Hugh's, Oxford, as they play the University of Stirling, whose team includes Radio 4's Money Box presenter Paul Lewis and MSP Richard Lochhead.

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Christmas 2013 - Leicester v Sussex

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December 30, 2013 • 30m

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It is the penultimate first-round match and two more teams fight it out to reach the semi-finals of the seasonal competition for grown-ups.

Playing tonight are the University of Leicester team, which includes TV's Sue Cook and astronomer Heather Couper, and Sussex University, with sports presenter Rob Bonnet and former news announcer Alice Arnold.

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Christmas 2013 - King's College London v Southampton

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December 31, 2013 • 30m

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In the last of the first round matches, guests include comedian and writer Rory Bremner and novelist Susan Hill from King's College, London. They play the University of Southampton team, which features Jason Cowley, editor of the New Statesman, and horticulturalist Stefan Buczacki.

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Christmas 2013 - Emmanuel College, Cambridge v Southampton

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January 1, 2014 • 30m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.

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Christmas 2013 - Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge v Lancaster

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January 2, 2014 • 30m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.

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Christmas 2013 - Emmanuel College, Cambridge v Gonville and Caius, Cambridge

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January 3, 2014 • 30m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.

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Champion of Champions

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April 19, 2014 • 29m

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In this University Challenge special match, two teams representing Magdalen College, Oxford and Manchester University do battle to become the Champion of Champions. They have each won University Challenge on four occasions - more than any other institution. The sides include a member from each of the four champion Magdalen and Manchester teams.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Class of 2014 - Episode 1

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July 7, 2014 • 1h

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What does it take to make it on to the toughest quiz on television? For the student teams who appear on University Challenge, their quest begins months before they arrive in the studio to meet the formidable Jeremy Paxman. Now, for the very first time in the programme's history, the cameras have followed the students' journey every step of the way.

With access to some of the most prestigious universities and colleges across the UK, this explores what drives the students to compete in this iconic contest, and watches them negotiate the minefield of selecting their perfect teams, then swot, cram and bond in preparation for the gruelling audition process. Only 28 teams will make the grade but who will have done enough to earn a coveted place in the competition?

Narrated by Richard Osman.

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Class of 2014 - Episode 2

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July 8, 2014 • 1h

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Over a hundred student quiz teams from all over the UK are about to discover whether they have earned a coveted place on the latest series of University Challenge. Having faced the gruelling interview and tackled the toughest test paper, they have done all they can - now it is time to learn their fate.

For the successful 28 teams, their journey continues with an intense training period before heading to the studios in Salford's Media City. There they will come face to face with the formidable Jeremy Paxman and begin their quest to become University Challenge Champions 2015.

Narrated by Richard Osman.

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Christmas 2014 - Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford v Warwick

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December 20, 2014 • 30m

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The first match is between Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, with news presenter Cathy Newman and actor Sam Westi and the University of Warwick, with novelist Jonathan Coe and travel writer Simon Calder. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - Hull v Newcastle

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December 23, 2014 • 30m

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In the second of the first round matches, journalists and broadcasters Dame Jenni Murray and Rosie Millard from University of Hull fight it out against the University of Newcastle with broadcaster Kate Adie and columnist Giles Fraser. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - King's College, Cambridge v Royal Holloway

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December 24, 2014 • 30m

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Another first-round match sees distinguished graduates from two of the UK's top universities battle it out for a place in the semi-finals. King's College, Cambridge, with former BBC correspondent Martin Bell and Bishop David Walker, plays Royal Holloway, University of London, with journalist Francis Wheen and MP Valerie Vaz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - Edinburgh v Leeds

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December 25, 2014 • 30m

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This match features notable graduates from two more top UK universities who battle it out for a place in the semi-finals. The University of Edinburgh team includes writer Philippa Gregory and BBC correspondent Allan Little and the University of Leeds team features ITV News Europe Editor James Mates and sports broadcaster Jacqui Oatley. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - Trinity Hall, Cambridge v Balliol College, Oxford

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December 26, 2014 • 30m

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In another first round match Trinity Hall, Cambridge, including Dan Starkey who plays Strax in Doctor Who and Olympic gold medallist Tom James, face Balliol College, Oxford, with writer Charlotte Higgins and MP Sir Alan Beith. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - York v Surrey

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December 29, 2014 • 30m

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In another first round match the University of York, featuring writer and broadcaster Adam Hart-Davis and archaeologist Helen Geake, face the University of Surrey, who include the presenter of Radio 4's The Life Scientific Jim Al-Khalili and writer Susan Blackmore. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - Manchester Metropolitan v Goldsmiths

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December 30, 2014 • 30m

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In the final first round match actors Bernard Hill and John Thomson from Manchester Metropolitan University play BBC news reader Corrie Corfield and singer-songwriter Neil Innes representing Goldsmiths, University of London.

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Christmas 2014 - Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford v Hull

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December 31, 2014 • 30m

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Series featuring distinguished graduates. The first of the semi-final matches featuring special guests who are graduates from two of the UK's top universities.

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Christmas 2014 - Edinburgh v Trinity Hall, Cambridge

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January 1, 2015 • 30m

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Series featuring teams of distinguished graduates. The last of the semi final matches in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2014 - Final: Hull v Trinity Hall, Cambridge

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January 2, 2015 • 30m

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The grand final of the seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK's top universities - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions? Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - UCL v Birmingham

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December 20, 2015 • 29m

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It's the opening match of the Christmas quiz for grown-ups with two teams doing battle for a place in the semi-finals. The University College London team includes writer Lynne Truss and architecture critic Tom Dyckhoff, and the University of Birmingham team features weather presenter John Hammond and news presenter Joanna Gosling.

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Christmas 2015 - UCL v Birmingham

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December 20, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It's the opening match of the Christmas quiz for grown-ups with two teams doing battle for a place in the semi-finals. The University College London team includes writer Lynne Truss and architecture critic Tom Dyckhoff, and the University of Birmingham team features weather presenter John Hammond and news presenter Joanna Gosling.

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Christmas 2015 - Oriel, Oxford v Trinity, Cambridge

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December 21, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It's the second match of the Christmas quiz with two teams of graduates fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals.

Playing in this episode are the Oriel College, Oxford, team, which includes screenwriter Peter Harness and The Gadget Show presenter Jon Bentley, and Trinity College, Cambridge, featuring Sky News political editor Faisal Islam and food writer Bee Wilson.

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Christmas 2015 - Oriel, Oxford v Trinity, Cambridge

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December 21, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It's the second match of the Christmas quiz with two teams of graduates fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals.

Playing in this episode are the Oriel College, Oxford, team, which includes screenwriter Peter Harness and The Gadget Show presenter Jon Bentley, and Trinity College, Cambridge, featuring Sky News political editor Faisal Islam and food writer Bee Wilson.

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Christmas 2015 - Manchester v UEA

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December 22, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the third match, the team from Manchester University, which features comedian Lucy Porter and The Thick of It writer Jesse Armstrong, fight it out for a place in the semis with the University of East Anglia, whose team includes Caroline Flint MP and Tim Bentinck, who plays David in The Archers.

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Christmas 2015 - Manchester v UEA

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December 22, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the third match, the team from Manchester University, which features comedian Lucy Porter and The Thick of It writer Jesse Armstrong, fight it out for a place in the semis with the University of East Anglia, whose team includes Caroline Flint MP and Tim Bentinck, who plays David in The Archers.

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Christmas 2015 - Christ's, Cambridge v Essex

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December 23, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the fourth match of the Christmas series, Christ's College, Cambridge, with broadcaster Natalie Haynes and news correspondent James Reynolds, fights it out against the team from the University of Essex with Antiques Roadshow expert Rupert Maas and Radio 5 Live broadcaster Dotun Adebayo. Both teams are playing for a place in the semi-finals.

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Christmas 2015 - Christ's, Cambridge v Essex

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December 23, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the fourth match of the Christmas series, Christ's College, Cambridge, with broadcaster Natalie Haynes and news correspondent James Reynolds, fights it out against the team from the University of Essex with Antiques Roadshow expert Rupert Maas and Radio 5 Live broadcaster Dotun Adebayo. Both teams are playing for a place in the semi-finals.

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Christmas 2015 - Exeter v Magdalen, Oxford

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December 24, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the Exeter University team are wildlife presenter Nick Baker and actor Barnaby Edwards, who plays a Dalek in Doctor Who. They fight it out for a place in the semis against Magdalen College, Oxford, featuring documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux and writer Matt Ridley.

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Christmas 2015 - Exeter v Magdalen, Oxford

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December 25, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

In the Exeter University team are wildlife presenter Nick Baker and actor Barnaby Edwards, who plays a Dalek in Doctor Who. They fight it out for a place in the semis against Magdalen College, Oxford, featuring documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux and writer Matt Ridley.

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Christmas 2015 - Aberdeen v Sheffield

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December 28, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It is the penultimate first-round match and both teams are doing battle for a place in the semis. They are the University of Aberdeen, with broadcaster Nicky Campbell and Kezia Dugdale, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and Sheffield University, with science presenter Adam Hart and Nicci Gerrard, the thriller writer better known as Nicci French.

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Christmas 2015 - Aberdeen v Sheffield

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December 28, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It is the penultimate first-round match and both teams are doing battle for a place in the semis. They are the University of Aberdeen, with broadcaster Nicky Campbell and Kezia Dugdale, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and Sheffield University, with science presenter Adam Hart and Nicci Gerrard, the thriller writer better known as Nicci French.

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Christmas 2015 - Durham v LSE

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December 29, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It's the last first-round match, as two teams are up against each other for a place in the semis. The University of Durham team includes news presenter Tim Willcox and founder of the Eden Project Sir Tim Smith. Playing them is the LSE team, with financial whiz-kid Martin Lewis and Radio 4's Today presenter Justin Webb.

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Christmas 2015 - Durham v LSE

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December 29, 2015 • 29m

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.

It's the last first-round match, as two teams are up against each other for a place in the semis. The University of Durham team includes news presenter Tim Willcox and founder of the Eden Project Sir Tim Smith. Playing them is the LSE team, with financial whiz-kid Martin Lewis and Radio 4's Today presenter Justin Webb.

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Christmas 2015 - Semi-Final 1

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December 30, 2015 • 29m

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It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - Semi-Final 1

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December 30, 2015 • 29m

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It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - Semi-Final 2

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December 31, 2015 • 29m

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Second semi-final in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - Semi-Final 2

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December 31, 2015 • 29m

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Second semi-final in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - The Grand Final

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January 1, 2016 • 29m

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It is the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK's top universities - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions?

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2015 - The Grand Final

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January 1, 2016 • 29m

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It is the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK's top universities - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions?

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - Manchester v St Anne's, Oxford

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December 19, 2016 • 29m

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In the opening match of the series, a University of Manchester team featuring poet Simon Armitage and author Sarfraz Manzoor takes on a St Anne's College, Oxford side that includes Dame Mary Archer and broadcaster Janina Ramirez.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - Kent v Sussex

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December 20, 2016 • 29m

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A University of Kent team with presenter Paul Ross and journalist Shiulie Ghosh battles a University of Sussex side featuring news presenter Dermot Murnaghan and comedian Hattie Hayridge for a place in the semi-finals.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - City v Newcastle

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December 21, 2016 • 29m

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Journalist Samira Ahmed and Chair of Acas Sir Brendan Barber represent City, University of London, as they take on Newcastle University, whose team includes singer, songwriter and actor Wilko Johnson and TV presenter Charlie Webster.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - Soas v Leeds

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December 22, 2016 • 29m

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A team representing Soas, featuring comedian Dom Joly and presenter Gus Casely-Hayford, take on a University of Leeds side that includes BBC economics editor Kamal Ahmed and Guardian cartoonist Steve Bell.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - Edinburgh v St Catharine's, Cambridge

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December 23, 2016 • 29m

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A team representing the University of Edinburgh, featuring actress Rachael Stirling and geneticist Steve Jones, take on a side from St Catharine's College, Cambridge, that includes Matthew Price, chief correspondent of Radio 4's Today programme, and novelist Joanne Harris.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2016 - Magdalene, Cambridge v St Hilda's, Oxford

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December 25, 2016 • 29m

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A festive edition of the quiz, featuring distinguished university alumni. In this penultimate first round match, both teams battle for a place in the semi-finals. Magdalene College, Cambridge, featuring radio and TV presenter Clemency Burton-Hill and Harry Potter film director Mike Newell, take on St Hilda's College, Oxford, with crime writer Val McDermid and historian Daisy Dunn. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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January 2, 2018 • 29m

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It is the last first-round match in the Christmas series for university alumni when two teams are up against each other for a place in the semis. Brunel University includes Chelsea footballer Eniola Aluko and former Olympian and broadcaster Iwan Thomas. Playing them is the Reading University team, with Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games and gardening expert Pippa Greenwood.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2017 - Semi-Final 1

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January 3, 2018 • 29m

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It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2017 - Semi-Final 2

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January 4, 2018 • 29m

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It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions

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Christmas 2017 - The Grand Final

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January 5, 2018 • 29m

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It is the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK's top universities - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions?

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Brasenose, Oxford v Bristol

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December 24, 2018 • 29m

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It is the opening match of the Christmas quiz for grown-ups, with two teams doing battle for a place in the semi-finals. The Brasenose, Oxford team includes Bargain Hunt expert Kate Bliss and Radio 4's More or Less presenter Tim Harford. The Bristol team includes McMafia author Misha Glenny and documentary presenter Iain Stewart.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Westminster University v University of East Anglia

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December 25, 2018 • 29m

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It is the second match of the Christmas quiz with two teams of graduates fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals. Playing on the Westminster team are TV presenter Danny Wallace and Royal Institution Christmas lecturer Sophie Scott. On the University of East Anglia team are comedian Arthur Smith and weather presenter Darren Bett.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Pembroke College, Cambridge v King's London

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December 26, 2018 • 29m

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In the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni is the team from the Pembroke College, Cambridge, with host of TV's Impossible Rick Edwards and former Olympic rower Cath Bishop. They fight it out for a place in the semis with King's College, London, whose team includes Any Answers? presenter Anita Anand and Radio 4 The Kitchen Cabinet panellist Zoe Laughlin.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - St Catherine's, Oxford v Peterhouse, Cambridge

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December 27, 2018 • 28m

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, St Catherine's College, Oxford, with Guardian drama critic Michael Billington and novelist Susie Boyt, fights it out against the Peterhouse, Cambridge team, with politician Lord Michael Howard and Coast's Mark Horton. Both teams are playing for a place in the semi-finals.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Exeter University v Birmingham University

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December 28, 2018 • 29m

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It is match five of the special Christmas series for distinguished alumni. In the Exeter team are producer of The Generation Game and Red Dwarf Paul Jackson and news correspondent Jon Kay. They are fighting it out for a place in the semis against Birmingham University, featuring comedian Chris Addison and actor Nigel Lindsay.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Sheffield University v Manchester University

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December 31, 2018 • 29m

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It is the penultimate first-round match in the Christmas quiz for grown-ups, and both teams are doing battle for a place in the semis. They are Sheffield University, with politician Lord David Blunkett and former Newsnight correspondent Paul Mason, against Manchester University, with journalist David Aaronovitch and Watchdog presenter Matt Allwright.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Edinburgh University v LSE

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January 1, 2019 • 29m

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It is the last first-round match in the Christmas series for university alumni when two teams are up against each other for a place in the semis. Edinburgh University includes MP Joanna Cherry and comedian Mitch Benn. Playing them is the LSE team, with critic Ekow Eshun and writer Maya Jaggi.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Semi-Final 1

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January 2, 2019 • 29m

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It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - Semi-Final 2

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January 3, 2019 • 29m

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It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2018 - The Grand Final

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January 4, 2019 • 29m

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It is the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK's top universities - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions?

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Leeds University v Clare College, Cambridge

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December 23, 2019 • 28m

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In the opening match of the Christmas quiz for grown-ups, two teams do battle for a place in the semi-finals. The Leeds team includes the Reverend Richard Coles and Human Planet photographer Tim Allen. Their opponents are from Clare College, Cambridge, including writer and broadcaster Marcel Theroux and soprano Elin Manahan Thomas.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Birmingham City University v Wadham College, Oxford

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December 24, 2019 • 28m

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It is the second match of the Christmas quiz with two teams of graduates fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals.

Playing for the Birmingham City team are Carole Boyd, who plays Linda Snell in the Archers, and gardener and broadcaster Bunny Guinness. Their opponents on the Wadham, Oxford, team include journalists and broadcasters Anne McElvoy and Jonathan Freedland.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Guildhall School of Music and Drama v UCL

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December 25, 2019 • 28m

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In the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni, the team from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama features actors Monica Dolan, from BBC comedy W1A, and Holby City’s Bob Barrett. They fight it out for a place in the semis with the team from UCL, featuring BBC news presenter Maryam Moshiri and Arctic explorer Pen Hadow.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Liverpool v Hull

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December 26, 2019 • 28m

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, the Liverpool team, with actor Anna Maxwell Martin and broadcaster Roger Bolton, fight it out against the Hull team, with comedian Lucy Beaumont and novelist Tracy Borman.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Royal Holloway v Sussex

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December 27, 2019 • 28m

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It is match five of this special Christmas series for distinguished alumni.

In the Royal Holloway team are ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater and TV historian Fern Riddell. They are fighting it out for a place in the semis against Sussex, featuring BBC parliamentary correspondent Mark D’Arcy and science fiction writer and critic Kim Newman.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Trinity Hall, Cambridge v St Peter's College, Oxford

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December 30, 2019 • 28m

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It is the penultimate first-round match in the Christmas quiz for grown-ups and two teams are doing battle for a place in the semis. They are Trinity Hall, Cambridge, with Peep Show actor Sophie Winkleman and Guardian TV reviewer Lucy Mangan, and St Peter's College, Oxford, with BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera and journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2019 - Warwick v Imperial

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December 31, 2019 • 28m

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It is the last first-round match in the Christmas series for university alumni. The Warwick team includes actor Tom Goodman-Hill and presenter of Radio 4’s The World Tonight Ritula Shah. Playing them is the Imperial team, with thrills engineer Brendan Walker and writer and broadcaster Kenan Malik.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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October 28, 2020 • 29m

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In a bid for glory, stars from the BBC and ITV, go head-to-head in a special episode of University Challenge for BBC Children in Need.

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Christmas 2020 - Christ's Cambridge v St John's Oxford

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December 21, 2020 • 29m

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It’s the opening match of the Christmas quiz for grown-ups with two teams doing battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The Christ’s Cambridge team includes painter and broadcaster Lachlan Goudie and poet Helen Mort. Playing them is the St John’s Oxford team, including thee BBC business editor Simon Jack and author John Lanchester.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2020 - Manchester v Queen's Belfast

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December 22, 2020 • 29m

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It’s the second match of the Christmas quiz, with two teams of graduates fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals.

Playing for the Manchester team are actor Adrian Edmondson and war surgeon David Nott. Their opponents on the Queen’s Belfast team are Kate Devlin, writer of a book on sex and robots, and poet Miriam Gamble.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2020 - Courtauld v Goldsmiths

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December 23, 2020 • 29m

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In the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni is the team from the Courtauld Institute of Art, with artist Jeremy Deller and writer and poet Lavinia Greenlaw. They fight it out for a place in the semis with the team from Goldsmiths, University of London, which features Hairy Biker Dave Myers and author Helen Cross.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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December 30, 2020 • 29m

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It’s the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2020 - Semi-Final 2

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December 31, 2020 • 29m

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It’s the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2020 - Grand Final

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January 1, 2021 • 29m

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It’s the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK’s top universities. Which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions?

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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December 22, 2021 • 29m

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The third match of the Christmas series for university alumni features a team from the University of Bristol, with broadcaster Aasmah Mir and playwright Mark Ravenhill. They fight it out for a place in the semi-finals with the team from King's College, Cambridge, including sociologist Tom Shakespeare and Professor Shahidha Bari.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - LSE v Hertford, Oxford

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December 23, 2021 • 29m

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, a team of LSE alumni that includes newsreader Fatima Manji and Olympic rower Oliver Cook fight it out against four alumni from Hertford College, Oxford, including saxophonist Soweto Kinch and journalist Adam Fleming.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Corpus Christi, Cambridge v St Anne's, Oxford

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December 24, 2021 • 29m

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It’s match five of this special Christmas series for distinguished alumni. Novelist Helen Oyeyemi and literary editor Robert McCrum play on behalf of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals against St Anne's College, Oxford, featuring comedian John Robins and engineer Roma Agrawal.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Birkbeck, London v Portsmouth

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December 27, 2021 • 29m

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It’s the penultimate match of the first round in the Christmas quiz for grown-ups, with both teams doing battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The team of alumni from Birkbeck, London features Jolyon Maugham, founder of the Good Law Project, and writer and activist Shabnam Nasimi. They compete against four Portsmouth alumni, including mathematician Nira Chamberlain and TV property expert Tayo Oguntonade.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Kent v Goldsmiths, London

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December 28, 2021 • 29m

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It’s the last first-round match in the Christmas series for university alumni, with two teams up against each other for a place in the semi-finals.

Musician YolanDa Brown and radio broadcaster Peter White play on behalf of the University of Kent. They're up against a team from Goldsmiths, London alumni that includes artist Mark Wallinger and campaigner Laura Coryton. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Semi-Final 1

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December 29, 2021 • 30m

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It’s the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. Two of the four highest-scoring winners from the first round of matches play each other for a place in the series final. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Semi Final 2

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December 30, 2021 • 29m

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It’s the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. The remaining two highest-scoring winners from the heats compete for a spot in the final. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2021 - Grand Final

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December 31, 2021 • 29m

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It’s the grand final of this seasonal competition for alumni from some of the UK’s top universities, with the last two teams standing doing battle for the series title. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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University Challenge at 60

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August 29, 2022 • 59m

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60 years on since University Challenge first appeared on British television, the show holds the record for the UK’s longest running quiz. To mark the occasion, this documentary tells the stories behind some of the series most memorable contestants, including Eric Monkman, Gail Trimble, Sandya Narayanswami and Jenny Ryan, as well as taking a look at the job of the question setters and paying tribute to the first question master, Bamber Gascoigne. Finally, former students are once again put to the test to see if they can still correctly answer their successful starters for 10.

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Christmas 2022 - SOAS University of London v Balliol College, Oxford

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December 19, 2022 • 28m

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SOAS play Balliol College, Oxford, as University Challenge’s annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni kicks off. Contestants include author and broadcaster Emma Dabiri and crime writer Martin Edwards, while Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - University College, Oxford v University of Glasgow

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December 20, 2022 • 28m

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Teams of alumni from University College, Oxford, face off against the University of Glasgow. Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini captains the University College team, while author Christopher Brookmyre leads Glasgow. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - Durham University v University of York

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December 21, 2022 • 28m

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Alumni of Durham University face graduates of the University of York in the third match. Documentary maker Chris Terrill takes the captain’s chair for Durham, while YouTuber Tom Scott heads the York team. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - Exeter College, Oxford v Queen Mary University of London

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December 22, 2022 • 28m

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Exeter College, Oxford, and Queen Mary University of London are represented by distinguished alumni in the fourth heat. Newsreader Reeta Chakrabarti and environmental writer Lucy Siegle are hoping to lead their respective teams to a place in the semi-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - University of Hull v University of the West of England

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December 23, 2022 • 28m

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The heats continue as four alumni of the University of Hull, captained by actor Sian Reese-Williams, face four graduates of the University of the West of England, led by science reporter Victoria Gill. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - UCL v University of Aberdeen

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December 26, 2022 • 28m

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In the penultimate heat of the alumni tournament, teams representing UCL and the University of Aberdeen compete for a place in the semi-finals, captained by comedian Ria Lina and film director Jon S Baird. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - University of Bristol v University of Cardiff

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December 27, 2022 • 28m

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Graduates of the University of Bristol play former students of Cardiff in the final heat. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - Semi-Final 1

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December 28, 2022 • 28m

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Two alumni teams return to contest the first semi-final of 2022’s Christmas competition. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - Semi-Final 2

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December 29, 2022 • 28m

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Two of the four highest-scoring winning teams from the heats return to play the second of this year’s semi-finals. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2022 - Grand Final

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December 30, 2022 • 28m

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It’s the grand final of the Christmas competition, in which teams of notable former students compete on behalf of their alma maters. Only two alumni teams remain: who will take the series title? Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 1

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December 18, 2023 • 29m

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In the first round of the annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni, the presenter and journalist Ayshah Tull captains a team from King’s College London, while presenter and journalist Joe Crowley leads a team from City, University of London. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 2

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December 19, 2023 • 29m

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Alumni of University of East Anglia face graduates of Royal Holloway, University of London in the second match of Christmas University Challenge. Novelist Tahmima Anam is among Royal Holloway’s team members, and art historian Bender Grosvenor heads the UEA team. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 3

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December 20, 2023 • 29m

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Dundee University and Bangor University are represented by distinguished alumni in the third heat of Christmas University Challenge. Dundee’s team includes the Turner Prize-winning artist Susan Philipsz, while Bangor’s players include the author Juno Dawson. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 4

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December 21, 2023 • 29m

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The heats of the Christmas competition continue tonight. Captained by writer Alex Bellos, four alumni from Corpus Christi, Oxford face four graduates of the University of Edinburgh, led by politician Ruth Davidson. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 5

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December 22, 2023 • 29m

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The heats of this year’s Christmas competition continue. Teams representing Imperial College London and the University of Liverpool compete for a place in the semi-finals, captained by journalist Anjana Ahuja and musician Ian Ritchie. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 6

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December 26, 2023 • 29m

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The first round of this year’s Christmas University Challenge concludes tonight. Graduates of the Middlesex University play former students of Leeds, with the last place in the semi-finals at stake. Contestants include artist Heather Phillipson and Paralympian Claire Cashmore. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 7

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December 27, 2023 • 29m

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Two alumni teams return to contest the first semi-final of the Christmas competition. Amol Rajan asks the questions

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 8

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December 28, 2023 • 29m

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This Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni continues. Two of the four highest-scoring winning teams from the heats play the second semi-final. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2023 - Episode 9

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December 29, 2023 • 29m

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It’s the grand final of the Christmas competition, in which teams of notable former students compete on behalf of their alma maters. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Warwick v Durham

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December 23, 2024 • 29m

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Christmas University Challenge 2024 begins with a match between graduates of Warwick and Durham. Yomi Adegoke and Carla Denyer are team captains, and Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Worcester College, Oxford v Bristol

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December 24, 2024 • 29m

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Distinguished graduates of Worcester College, Oxford face notable Bristol alumni. Players include Tom Parker Bowles and Lord Paul Boateng. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Manchester Metropolitan v Brighton

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December 26, 2024 • 29m

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This year's festive specials continue. Manchester Metropolitan plays Brighton, captained by Debra Stephenson and Adam Pearson. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Leeds Trinity v Nottingham

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December 27, 2024 • 29m

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It's another heat in this year's Christmas competition. Lauren Layfield leads a team from Leeds Trinity, while Yasmin Ali captains Nottingham. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Southampton v Churchill College, Cambridge

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December 29, 2024 • 29m

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In another Christmas heat, former Southampton students, captained by Justine Greening, face alumni of Churchill College, Cambridge, headed by Helen Czerski. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Emmanuel College, Cambridge v Queens' College, Cambridge

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December 30, 2024 • 29m

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The Christmas series continues with a Cambridge derby. Emmanuel graduates and Queens’ alumni go head-to-head, led by Stig Abell and Jenny Kleeman. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - St Andrews v LSE

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December 31, 2024 • 29m

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In the final heat of this year's Christmas competition, St Andrews alumni face graduates of the LSE, captained by Abigail Thorn and Mark Urban. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Semi-Final 1

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January 1, 2025 • 29m

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It's the first semi-final, and two of the highest-scoring winning teams from the heats return to play again. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Semi-Final 2

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January 2, 2025 • 29m

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Another two teams of notable alumni return to contest the second semi-finals. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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Christmas 2024 - Final

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January 3, 2025 • 29m

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It’s the grand final of the Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni. Who will be crowned the 2024 champions? Amol Rajan asks the questions.

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University Challenge (1962)

Bamber Gascoigne as Self - Presenter

Episodes 925