BBC viewers were left in shock after witnessing the latest instalment of University Challenge, where there was an overwhelming victory.
Exeter University squared off against Bristol, vying for a spot in the quarter-finals, but the contest quickly became lopsided. Bristol leapt ahead, correctly answering all the starter questions and gaining early control of the game.
In contrast, Exeter struggled to get on the scoreboard, only managing to score towards the end of the programme.
As the episode drew to a close, the presenter Amol commented that Exeter was ‘”unlucky” and had been bested by a “superior team”.
With a staggering 290 points, Bristol dominated, while Exeter could only muster a meagre 35 points. Fans flocked to social media to express their astonishment at Bristol’s ‘outrageous’ performance, reports the Express.
One spectator said: “Bristol’s a great university with a great team this season, though perhaps in danger of becoming insufferably smug. #UniversityChallenge.”
Another added: “Bristol have been brutally merciless #universitychallenge.” A third posted: “#universitychallenge biggest thrashing ever? Got to be surely?”
While someone else queried: “Admit it. How many of you have just Googled ‘what’s the lowest ever score a team has had on #UniversityChallenge?”
As the episode came to an end, Amol touched on Exeter’s loss as he said: “Well, the thing is, in a way that you don’t really realise until you do these games, so much of it is about momentum. You guys really got going, it just took about 20 minutes for you to get going!”
Highlighting one of their incorrect answers which he called “unlucky”, the BBC host added: “You were an absolutely outstanding team so I think there’s no indignity in that whatsoever. Thank you so much for coming along and being fantastic sports.!”
Amol Rajan returned earlier this year to present the beloved quiz show following Jeremy Paxman’s departure.
Jeremy Paxman, known for his long tenure on ‘University Challenge’, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2021. He recently disclosed in a conversation with Saga Magazine his contemplation of assisted suicide at Dignitas, the Swiss clinic.
He has been open about the progression of his illness. Reflecting on the idea, Jeremy said, “Yes, I have [thought about it]. But then I saw the Terry Pratchett film [Choosing To Die] and I couldn’t help noticing how scruffy some of the staff were in dirty T-shirts.”
He confessed that the aspect of personal hygiene among the staff affected his view: “I’m afraid the lack of personal hygiene rather put me off. I think it’s very hard on those left behind, too.”
Furthermore, although he personally is against it, Paxman expressed support for others’ rights to choose, stating he backs “anyone who makes this choice”.
University Challenge is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.