Congratulations to the Corpus Christmas University Challenge team for achieving the highest ever score on a Christmas University Challenge episode. The team members were Alex Bellos (1987, Maths & Philosophy), Michael Cockerell (1959, PPE), Francesca Happé CBE (1985, Experimental Psychology) and Steve Waters (1984, English).
The Corpus record was set in the first round when the team won against the University of Edinburgh with a staggering score of 265. Correct answers covered a broad range of subjects, including art, obscure words, church architecture, European football, politics and geometry. The semi-final was a more nail-biting affair with Corpus narrowly triumphing over Royal Holloway, London 180 points to 160. The team was eventually beaten in the final by a strong Middlesex team.
Team Captain Alex explains how the team prepared: “We had one Zoom meeting to get to know each other about a week before the first recording. We had watched past episodes and noticed that the questions often referred either to Christmas themes, anniversaries or events that had happened during the year. We agreed to brush up on those. This prep was, of course, no help at all!"
Francesca describes the day of filming: “It was exciting to go along to the Salford TV studios! All four of us shared the attitude that it was a huge - and fun - privilege to be there. The actual matches were surreal experiences, and my memories of them are in fact rather dreamlike. I could have convinced myself I had dreamt them, had it not been for watching them with my family over the Christmas period!”
Steve says: “it was immense fun and a great honour to represent the College - the Corpus team was so supportive, and we thoroughly enjoyed each other's company; it was thrilling to get to the final. The BBC team was hugely welcoming, and Amol Rajan created a warm and energetic atmosphere.”
If you missed the matches, they are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.