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BBC in University Challenge probe |
BBC in University Challenge probe |
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(40 minutes later)
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The BBC says it is investigating claims that a member of University Challenge's winning team was not eligible to take part in the competition. | The BBC says it is investigating claims that a member of University Challenge's winning team was not eligible to take part in the competition. |
Corpus Christi College, Oxford, led by Gail Trimble, romped to victory over Manchester University on the BBC TV quiz last week. | Corpus Christi College, Oxford, led by Gail Trimble, romped to victory over the University of Manchester on the BBC TV quiz last week. |
But the BBC are looking at claims Sam Kay, who told viewers he was studying chemistry, graduated in June last year. | But the BBC are looking at claims Sam Kay, who told viewers he was studying chemistry, graduated in June last year. |
The rules state that contestants must be a current student. | In a statement the Manchester team said they had "no desire" for a rematch. |
Mr Kay reportedly left Corpus Christi after failing to get funding for his PhD, and is now employed as an accountant. | Report |
A spokesperson for Oxford University said: "Eligibility is a matter for the BBC and they are looking into it." | According to newspaper reports, Mr Kay left Corpus Christi after failing to get funding for his PhD, and is now employed as an accountant. |
'Human Google' | |
In a statement, the BBC said: "We understand the allegations made and are taking the issue seriously. | In a statement, the BBC said: "We understand the allegations made and are taking the issue seriously. |
"However we need time to investigate fully, so we will do so and report our findings early next week." | "However we need time to investigate fully, so we will do so and report our findings early next week." |
| But Matthew Yeo, Manchester team captain, said the Corpus Christi team were "deserving and worthy champions". |
| He said: "We thoroughly enjoyed our University Challenge experience and would like to thank all those who supported us on our road to the final. |
| "We hope any decision does not detract from what was a thrilling final won by a truly tremendous team." |
| 'Human Google' |
| A spokesperson for Oxford University said eligibility was a "matter for the BBC" . |
Ms Trimble, 26, was dubbed the "human Google" after Corpus Christi's victory in the quiz chaired by Jeremy Paxman. | Ms Trimble, 26, was dubbed the "human Google" after Corpus Christi's victory in the quiz chaired by Jeremy Paxman. |
Much of the college's success has been down to Ms Trimble, who scored two-thirds of her team's 1,200 points before the final. | Much of the college's success has been down to Ms Trimble, who scored two-thirds of her team's 1,200 points before the final. |
The team beat Manchester University by 275 points to 190 in a final watched by more than 5.3 million people. | The team beat Manchester University by 275 points to 190 in a final watched by more than 5.3 million people. |
It was the second time that the Oxford college had won the competition, having also taken the title in 2005. | It was the second time that the Oxford college had won the competition, having also taken the title in 2005. |
Founded in the early 16th Century, it is one of Oxford's smaller colleges, with fewer than 400 students. | Founded in the early 16th Century, it is one of Oxford's smaller colleges, with fewer than 400 students. |
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Do you know this year's finalists? Do you attend either Manchester University or Corpus Christi College? Send in your comments using the form below. | Do you know this year's finalists? Do you attend either Manchester University or Corpus Christi College? Send in your comments using the form below. |
In most cases a selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. | In most cases a selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below. |
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