A FORMER University Challenge contestant has revealed how terrifying the process was – but has had the last laugh.
The popular BBC Two series returned last night for a new series, which is also host Jeremy Paxman’s last.
A former University Challenge contestant has revealed how terrifying the experience was
The new series of University Challenge – and Jeremy Paxman’s last – started on Monday night
It saw teams from Bristol and Durham universities go head to head, with Durham coming out on top.
But a former contestant has revealed how nerve-wracking it can be to be in the hot seat.
In an opinion piece for The Guardian, Lillian Crawford wrote: “I represented Trinity College, Cambridge on University Challenge in 2019-20 while I was a student, and it was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life.”
Her participation on the show came around the same time she was diagnosed with complex PTSD.
new term
University Challenge fans say the same thing as Jeremy Paxman begins last series
She added: “I found the studio and pressure of filming particularly difficult at that time.
“Of course, there is an adrenaline rush to being in the hot seat, in the moment when impulse pushes the buzzer and your brains flies into action. It’s a thrill.
“But overall, I found myself frustrated by the emphasis on subjects that lay outside my interests, and the downplaying of the significance of women within academic study.”
The experience made Lillian, who has also appeared on Mastermind, realise she prefers to acquire more knowledge through quizzing, not perform it.
Since her time as a contestant, Lillian became a researcher on the show and was tasked with setting questions for many of the picture and music rounds which will be used during the new series.
She explained: “There’s a tough balancing act to this job between introducing new topics to the canon without alienating the contestants and the viewers at home.
“Creating questions, finding ways to both introduce new subjects and reward pre-existing knowledge, has proven more fulfilling for me.
“Broadening one’s general knowledge is a great means of developing empathy and understanding – to be more open-minded in life, as in quiz.”
University Challenge airs Mondays at 8.30pm on BBC Two.
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