Meet University Challenge's five most tweet-worthy contestants
- Published
Challenge.
Whether you never let a Monday evening pass without watching an episode or just found yourself investigating why everyone was banging on about Fairbrother on Twitter, this week's show had everyone in the palm of its hand.
Why? Two words: Vest. Top.
Yes, with his fast buzzer-skills, intricate knowledge of A Midsummer Night's Dream and sleeveless ensemble, Fairbrother had all the attributes of an amazing University Challenge contestant. And he's not the only one who's captured our attention lately.
So here’s our tribute to the top five most-memorable contestants of recent series – and the flurry of tweeting they’ve sparked…
Fairbrother – Jesus, Cambridge
Most of the buzz around Fairbrother came from the habit of his clothing to stop at the shoulders. Though others speculated on an interesting familial connection…
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Monkman – Wolfson, Cambridge
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With his pained expressions and his lack of inside voice, it took Canadian Economics student Eric Monkman about five minutes to become a bona fide UC legend.
But while most of the tweets were hugely complimentary, some thought his persona might lend itself to more nefarious aims…
Powell – Peterhouse, Cambridge
Powell (Oscar to his friends) became an immediate sensation for one reason and one reason only: his enviable repertoire of facial expressions…
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He could do nuances of confusion from puzzlement to befuddlement and bemusement all the way through to nonplussedness – though his signature expression was a kind of pained racking-his-brains information-recall.
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Shah – King’s, Cambridge
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Shah was one of the original iconoclasts of the Challenge system, and the root of the seismic controversy known as #VestGate. By flouting the show’s normally donnish dress code – and opting for a pleather vest instead - he started a trend that paved the way for the likes of out top man, Fairbrother.
Some also wondered whether there might be a career in gangsta rap for the history student...
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Bennett - Sidney Sussex, Cambridge
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Ok, so results-wise, Nicholas Bennett is not up there with the Ted Lovedays and the Alex Guttenplans. But in many other ways, the maths student from Sidney Sussex is a true winner. And one of those ways is his wonderful hair.
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That’s it folks… Who knew young men from Cambridge colleges had such a vice-like monopoly on giving Challenge viewers some serious added value?…
