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Christmas University Challenge - Episode Guide

Season 2011

Episode 1

Episode: 2011-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2011

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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.

Episode 2

Episode: 2011-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2011

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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.

Episode 3

Episode: 2011-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2011

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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.

Episode 4

Episode: 2011-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2011

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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.

Episode 5

Episode: 2011-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2011

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A series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities.

It is the last of the first-round matches, with Trinity College, Cambridge, battling it out with the University of St Andrews. Guests include comedy writer and television producer John Lloyd CBE and sports broadcaster Hazel Irvine.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 6

Episode: 2011-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2011

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A series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the first of the semi-final matches.

Episode 7

Episode: 2011-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2011

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A series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the last of the semi-final matches.

Episode 8

Episode: 2011-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2011

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A series of matches featuring teams of distinguished graduates from ten universities. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the final of Christmas University Challenge.

Season 2012

Episode 1

Episode: 2012-12-17 | Airdate: Dec 17, 2012

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A series of matches featuring teams of distinguished people from 14 UK universities. This episode is a first round match between the University of Bristol and the University of Leeds. Amongst the team members are Alistair McGowan and Jay Rayner. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 2

Episode: 2012-12-18 | Airdate: Dec 18, 2012

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In the second of the first round matches, the Universities of Newcastle and Loughborough fight it out for a place in the semi-finals. Team members include Peter Gibbs and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 3

Episode: 2012-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2012

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This first round match sees distinguished people from New College, Oxford and the LSE do battle for a place in the semi-finals. Team members include Kate Mosse and Loyd Grossman. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 4

Episode: 2012-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2012

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This first round match features the Universities of Liverpool and Cardiff who fight it out for a place in the next stage of the competition. Guests include Lawrence McGinty and Bill Turnbull. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 5

Episode: 2012-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2012

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In another first round match the all-women team representing Newnham College, Cambridge do battle with the men from the University of Nottingham in a bid to reach the next stage of the competition. Team members include Diane Abbott MP and sports commentator Brian Moore. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 6

Episode: 2012-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2012

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In this penultimate first-round match guests representing University of Exeter take on the alumni of University of Glasgow with the aim of reaching the semi-finals of this seasonal series. Team members include Neil Oliver and John O'Farrell. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 7

Episode: 2013-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2013

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In the last of the first-round matches guests from University of Birmingham and University of East Anglia fight it out in a bid to reach the semi-finals. Team members include Anna Soubry MP and Charlie Higson. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 8

Episode: 2013-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2013

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The first of the semi-final matches in this Christmas series featuring special guests. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 9

Episode: 2013-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2013

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It is the last of the semi-final matches in the University Challenge Christmas quiz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Episode 10

Episode: 2013-01-04 | Airdate: Jan 4, 2013

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It is the grand final of this seasonal competition - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions? Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Season 2013

Episode 1

Episode: 2013-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2013

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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.

Episode 2

Episode: 2013-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2013

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In the second of the first round matches, broadcasters Fi Glover and James Wong represent the University of Kent as it battles against the University of Lancaster, represented by food critic Matthew Fort and actor Roger Ashton-Griffiths.

Episode 3

Episode: 2013-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2013

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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.

The University of Keele, with Steve Jackson, co-founder of Games Workshop, and Dr Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England, plays the University of Aberystwyth with MPs Elfyn Llwyd and Dan Jarvis.

Episode 4

Episode: 2013-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2013

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Tonight's first-round match features notable graduates from two top UK universities, who will battle it out for a place in the semi-finals.

The Gonville and Caius, Cambridge team includes Antiques Roadshow's Lars Tharp and historian and TV presenter Helen Castor. The Christ Church, Oxford team features Sky News political editor Adam Boulton and The Culture Show's Andrew Graham-Dixon.

Episode 5

Episode: 2013-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2013

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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.

Episode 6

Episode: 2013-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2013

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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.

Episode 7

Episode: 2013-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2013

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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.

Episode 8

Episode: 2014-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2014

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

Episode 9

Episode: 2014-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2014

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

Episode 10

Episode: 2014-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2014

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

Season 2014

Episode 1

Episode: 2014-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2014

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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.

Episode 2

Episode: 2014-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2014

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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.

Episode 3

Episode: 2014-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2014

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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.

Episode 4

Episode: 2014-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2014

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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.

Episode 5

Episode: 2014-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2014

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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.

Episode 6

Episode: 2014-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2014

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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.

Episode 7

Episode: 2014-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2014

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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.

Episode 8

Episode: 2014-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2014

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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.

Episode 9

Episode: 2015-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2015

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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.

Episode 10

Episode: 2015-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2015

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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.

Season 2015

UCL v Birmingham

Episode: 2015-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2015

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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.

Oriel, Oxford v Trinity, Cambridge

Episode: 2015-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2015

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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.

Manchester v UEA

Episode: 2015-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2015

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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.

Christ's, Cambridge v Essex

Episode: 2015-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2015

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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.

Exeter v Magdalen, Oxford

Episode: 2015-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2015

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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.

Aberdeen v Sheffield

Episode: 2015-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2015

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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.

Durham v LSE

Episode: 2015-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2015

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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.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2015-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2015

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2015-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2015

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

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

The Grand Final

Episode: 2016-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2016

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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.

Season 2016

Manchester v St Anne's, Oxford

Episode: 2016-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2016

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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.

Kent v Sussex

Episode: 2016-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2016

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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.

City v Newcastle

Episode: 2016-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2016

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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.

Soas v Leeds

Episode: 2016-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2016

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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.

Edinburgh v St Catharine's, Cambridge

Episode: 2016-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2016

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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.

Magdalene, Cambridge v St Hilda's, Oxford

Episode: 2016-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2016

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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.

Bristol v Nottingham

Episode: 2016-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2016

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A festive edition of the quiz, featuring distinguished university alumni. In the last first-round match, both teams battle for a place in the semi-finals. The University of Bristol team includes economist Will Hutton and Channel 4 presenter Kate Quilton. Playing them is the Nottingham University team, with weather presenter Nick Miller and Olympic canoeist David Florence. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2016-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2016

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2016-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2016

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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.

The Grand Final

Episode: 2016-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2016

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

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Season 2017

Durham University v Keble College, Oxford

Episode: 2017-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2017

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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 Durham team includes musician Rod Clements from the band Lindisfarne and actor Nick Mohammed. The Keble Oxford team includes comedian Katy Brand and children's author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Selwyn College, Cambridge v St Andrews University

Episode: 2017-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2017

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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. Competing today are Selwyn College, Cambridge, with screenwriter Robin French and comedian Viv Groskop, and St Andrews University, with BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor and writer Alistair Moffat.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

University of York v University of Southampton

Episode: 2017-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2017

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In the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni is the team from the University of York, with Daily Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire and Radio 3 presenter Tom Service. They fight it out for a place in the semis with the University of Southampton, whose team includes Times columnist Clare Foges and Front Row presenter John Wilson.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

University of Leicester v UCL

Episode: 2017-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2017

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, the University of Leicester, with Paralympian gold medallist Danielle Brown and Sky at Night presenter Pete Lawrence, fight it out against the UCL team, with BBC journalist Jeremy Bowen and president of the Royal College of Physicians Jane Dacre. Both teams are playing for a place in the semi-finals.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

St John's College, Cambridge v St Edmund Hall, Oxford

Episode: 2017-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2017

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It is match five of this special Christmas series for distinguished alumni. In the St John's, Cambridge, team are screen writer Frederic Raphael and writer Laura Bates. They are fighting it out for a place in the semis against St Edmund Hall, Oxford, featuring Sky News presenter Anna Botting and screenwriter and comedian Emma Kennedy.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Queen Mary College, London v Cardiff University

Episode: 2018-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2018

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It is the penultimate first-round match in the Christmas quiz for alumni, and both teams are doing battle for a place in the semis. They are Queen Mary College, London, with Iron Maiden legend Bruce Dickinson and broadcaster Adrian Chiles, against Cardiff University, with BBC World News presenter Laura Trevelyan and former cycling world champion Nicole Cooke.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Brunel University v Reading University

Episode: 2018-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2018

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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.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2018-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2018

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2018-01-04 | Airdate: Jan 4, 2018

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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.

The Grand Final

Episode: 2018-01-05 | Airdate: Jan 5, 2018

No image (yet).

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.

Season 2018

Brasenose, Oxford v Bristol

Episode: 2018-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2018

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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.

Westminster University v University of East Anglia

Episode: 2018-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2018

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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.

Pembroke College, Cambridge v King's London

Episode: 2018-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2018

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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.

Exeter University v Birmingham University

Episode: 2018-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2018

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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.

St Catherine's, Oxford v Peterhouse, Cambridge

Episode: 2018-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2018

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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.

Sheffield University v Manchester University

Episode: 2018-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2018

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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.

Edinburgh University v LSE

Episode: 2019-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2019

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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.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2019-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2019

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2019-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2019

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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.

The Grand Final

Episode: 2019-01-04 | Airdate: Jan 4, 2019

No image (yet).

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.

Season 2019

Leeds University v Clare College, Cambridge

Episode: 2019-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2019

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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.

Birmingham City University v Wadham College, Oxford

Episode: 2019-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2019

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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.

Guildhall School of Music and Drama v UCL

Episode: 2019-12-25 | Airdate: Dec 25, 2019

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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.

Liverpool v Hull

Episode: 2019-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2019

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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.

Royal Holloway v Sussex

Episode: 2019-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2019

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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.

Trinity Hall, Cambridge v St Peter's College, Oxford

Episode: 2019-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2019

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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.

Warwick v Imperial

Episode: 2019-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2019

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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.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2020-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2020

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the first of the semi-finals in the Christmas quiz for grown-ups.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2020-01-02 | Airdate: Jan 2, 2020

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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.

Final

Episode: 2020-01-03 | Airdate: Jan 3, 2020

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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.

Season 2020

Christ's Cambridge v St John's Oxford

Episode: 2020-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2020

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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 question

Manchester v Queen's Belfast

Episode: 2020-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2020

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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.

Courtauld v Goldsmiths

Episode: 2020-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2020

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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.

Nottingham v Sheffield

Episode: 2020-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2020

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, the Nottingham team, with explorer Levison Wood and ecologist Helen Roy, fight it out against the Sheffield team, which features news presenter Kylie Pentelow and Daily Telegraph columnist Michael Deacon. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

UCLAN v Loughborough

Episode: 2020-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2020

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

In the UCLAN team are sports presenter Richard Askam and children's book illustrator Kate Pankhurst. They are fighting it out for a place in the semi-finals against Loughborough, featuring cricketer Monty Panesar and poet and performer Kate Fox.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Durham v Downing, Cambridge

Episode: 2020-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2020

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

They are the University of Durham, with weather presenter Sarah Keith-Lucas and comedian Ed Gamble, who are playing against Downing College, Cambridge, with the BBC's media editor, Amol Rajan, and their global trade correspondent, Dharshini David.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

New College Oxford v Reading

Episode: 2020-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2020

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

New College Oxford includes political broadcaster Michael Crick and writer and playwright Christopher Hampton, and playing them is the Reading team with Newsnight culture correspondent Stephen Smith and film and TV critic Rhianna Dhillon.

Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2020-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2020

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2020-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2020

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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.

Grand Final

Episode: 2021-01-01 | Airdate: Jan 1, 2021

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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.

Season 2021

Edinburgh v Leicester

Episode: 2021-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2021

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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. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Winchester v Bradford

Episode: 2021-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2021

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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. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Bristol v King's, Cambridge

Episode: 2021-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2021

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It's the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

LSE v Hertford, Oxford

Episode: 2021-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2021

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In the fourth match of the Christmas series for grown-ups, a team of LSE alumni fight it out against alumni from Hertford College, Oxford. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Corpus Christi, Cambridge v St Anne's, Oxford

Episode: 2021-12-24 | Airdate: Dec 24, 2021

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It's match five of this special Christmas series for distinguished alumni. Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, play St Anne's College, Oxford. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Birkbeck, London v Portsmouth

Episode: 2021-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2021

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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. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Kent v Goldsmiths, London

Episode: 2021-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2021

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Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the last first-round match of this Christmas series.

Semi-Final 1

Episode: 2021-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2021

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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.

Semi-Final 2

Episode: 2021-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2021

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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.

Grand Final

Episode: 2021-12-31 | Airdate: Dec 31, 2021

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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.

Season 2022

SOAS University of London v Balliol College, Oxford

Episode: 2022-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2022

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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.

University College, Oxford v University of Glasgow

Episode: 2022-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2022

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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.

Durham University v University of York

Episode: 2022-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2022

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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.

Exeter College, Oxford v Queen Mary University of London

Episode: 2022-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2022

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Exeter College, Oxford and Queen Mary University, 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.

University of Hull v University of the West of England

Episode: 2022-12-23 | Airdate: Dec 23, 2022

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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.

UCL v University of Aberdeen

Episode: 2022-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2022

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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.

University of Bristol v University of Cardiff

Episode: 2022-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2022

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The first round of this year's Christmas University Challenge concludes as graduates of the University of Bristol play former students of Cardiff, with the last place in the semi-finals at stake. Contestants include Sky News's Dominic Waghorn and England women's cricket captain Heather Knight. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.

Semi Final

Episode: 2022-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2022

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

Semi Final

Episode: 2022-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2022

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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.

Grand Final

Episode: 2022-12-30 | Airdate: Dec 30, 2022

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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.

Season 2023

Episode 1

Episode: 2023-12-18 | Airdate: Dec 18, 2023

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The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.

Episode 2

Episode: 2023-12-19 | Airdate: Dec 19, 2023

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The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.

Episode 3

Episode: 2023-12-20 | Airdate: Dec 20, 2023

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The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.

Episode 4

Episode: 2023-12-21 | Airdate: Dec 21, 2023

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The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.

Episode 5

Episode: 2023-12-22 | Airdate: Dec 22, 2023

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The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.

Episode 6

Episode: 2023-12-26 | Airdate: Dec 26, 2023

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The first round of Christmas University Challenge 2023 concludes, with another two teams vying for the last place in the semi-finals. Amol Rajan asks the questions.

Episode 7

Episode: 2023-12-27 | Airdate: Dec 27, 2023

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

Episode 8

Episode: 2023-12-28 | Airdate: Dec 28, 2023

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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.

Episode 9

Episode: 2023-12-29 | Airdate: Dec 29, 2023

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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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