Christmas University Challenge
BBC Two Running
15 Seasons · 147 Episodes · Premiered December 19, 2011
Christmas University Challenge is a Christmas-themed quiz for distinguished university alumni.
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BBC Two
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Seasons & Episodes
Season 2011
8 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Mon, Dec 19 2011 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Episode 2
Tue, Dec 20 2011 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Episode 3
Wed, Dec 21 2011 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 22 2011 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Episode 5
Sat, Dec 24 2011 4:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Episode 6
Sun, Dec 25 2011 6:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Episode 7
Mon, Dec 26 2011 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Episode 8
Tue, Dec 27 2011 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Mon, Dec 17 2012 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Episode 2
Tue, Dec 18 2012 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Episode 3
Wed, Dec 19 2012 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 20 2012 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Episode 5
Fri, Dec 21 2012 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Episode 6
Mon, Dec 31 2012 5:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Episode 7
Tue, Jan 1 2013 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Episode 8
Wed, Jan 2 2013 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The first of the semi-final matches in this Christmas series featuring special guests. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Episode 9
Thu, Jan 3 2013 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the last of the semi-final matches in the University Challenge Christmas quiz. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
Episode 10
Fri, Jan 4 2013 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the grand final of this seasonal competition - which university will be Christmas University Challenge champions? Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
Season 2013
10 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Fri, Dec 20 2013 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Episode 2
Sat, Dec 21 2013 7:05 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Episode 3
Mon, Dec 23 2013 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 26 2013 7:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Episode 5
Fri, Dec 27 2013 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Episode 6
Mon, Dec 30 2013 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Episode 7
Tue, Dec 31 2013 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Episode 8
Wed, Jan 1 2014 5:25 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.
E09
Episode 9
Thu, Jan 2 2014 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.
E10
Episode 10
Fri, Jan 3 2014 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Jeremy Paxman asks the questions as teams of distinguished university graduates compete in a festive version of the quiz.
Season 2014
10 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Sat, Dec 20 2014 7:35 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Episode 2
Tue, Dec 23 2014 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Episode 3
Wed, Dec 24 2014 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 25 2014 7:15 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Episode 5
Fri, Dec 26 2014 6:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Episode 6
Mon, Dec 29 2014 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Episode 7
Tue, Dec 30 2014 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Episode 8
Wed, Dec 31 2014 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E09
Episode 9
Thu, Jan 1 2015 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E10
Episode 10
Fri, Jan 2 2015 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
UCL v Birmingham
Sun, Dec 20 2015 6:50 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Oriel, Oxford v Trinity, Cambridge
Mon, Dec 21 2015 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Manchester v UEA
Tue, Dec 22 2015 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Christ's, Cambridge v Essex
Wed, Dec 23 2015 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Exeter v Magdalen, Oxford
Thu, Dec 24 2015 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Aberdeen v Sheffield
Mon, Dec 28 2015 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Durham v LSE
Tue, Dec 29 2015 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Dec 30 2015 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Dec 31 2015 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Second semi-final in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
The Grand Final
Fri, Jan 1 2016 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Manchester v St Anne's, Oxford
Mon, Dec 19 2016 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Kent v Sussex
Tue, Dec 20 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
City v Newcastle
Wed, Dec 21 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Soas v Leeds
Thu, Dec 22 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Edinburgh v St Catharine's, Cambridge
Fri, Dec 23 2016 7:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Magdalene, Cambridge v St Hilda's, Oxford
Sun, Dec 25 2016 6:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Bristol v Nottingham
Mon, Dec 26 2016 6:20 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Tue, Dec 27 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Wed, Dec 28 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
The Grand Final
Thu, Dec 29 2016 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Durham University v Keble College, Oxford
Sun, Dec 24 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Selwyn College, Cambridge v St Andrews University
Tue, Dec 26 2017 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
University of York v University of Southampton
Wed, Dec 27 2017 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
University of Leicester v UCL
Thu, Dec 28 2017 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
St John's College, Cambridge v St Edmund Hall, Oxford
Fri, Dec 29 2017 6:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Queen Mary College, London v Cardiff University
Mon, Jan 1 2018 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Brunel University v Reading University
Tue, Jan 2 2018 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Jan 3 2018 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Jan 4 2018 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
The Grand Final
Fri, Jan 5 2018 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Brasenose, Oxford v Bristol
Mon, Dec 24 2018 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Westminster University v University of East Anglia
Tue, Dec 25 2018 6:05 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Pembroke College, Cambridge v King's London
Wed, Dec 26 2018 5:55 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Exeter University v Birmingham University
Fri, Dec 28 2018 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
St Catherine's, Oxford v Peterhouse, Cambridge
Sat, Dec 29 2018 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Sheffield University v Manchester University
Mon, Dec 31 2018 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Edinburgh University v LSE
Tue, Jan 1 2019 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Jan 2 2019 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Jan 3 2019 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
The Grand Final
Fri, Jan 4 2019 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Leeds University v Clare College, Cambridge
Mon, Dec 23 2019 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Birmingham City University v Wadham College, Oxford
Tue, Dec 24 2019 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Guildhall School of Music and Drama v UCL
Wed, Dec 25 2019 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Liverpool v Hull
Thu, Dec 26 2019 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Royal Holloway v Sussex
Fri, Dec 27 2019 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Trinity Hall, Cambridge v St Peter's College, Oxford
Mon, Dec 30 2019 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Warwick v Imperial
Tue, Dec 31 2019 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Jan 1 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the first of the semi-finals in the Christmas quiz for grown-ups.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Jan 2 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It is the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge Christmas quiz for grown-ups.Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
Final
Fri, Jan 3 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Christ's Cambridge v St John's Oxford
Mon, Dec 21 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
E02
Manchester v Queen's Belfast
Tue, Dec 22 2020 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Courtauld v Goldsmiths
Wed, Dec 23 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Nottingham v Sheffield
Thu, Dec 24 2020 7:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
UCLAN v Loughborough
Sat, Dec 26 2020 8:35 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Durham v Downing, Cambridge
Mon, Dec 28 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
New College Oxford v Reading
Tue, Dec 29 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Dec 30 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the first of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Dec 31 2020 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the second of the semi-finals in the University Challenge quiz for grown-ups. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E10
Grand Final
Fri, Jan 1 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
Edinburgh v Leicester
Mon, Dec 20 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
Winchester v Bradford
Tue, Dec 21 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Bristol v King's, Cambridge
Wed, Dec 22 2021 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the third match of the Christmas series for university alumni. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E04
LSE v Hertford, Oxford
Thu, Dec 23 2021 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
Corpus Christi, Cambridge v St Anne's, Oxford
Fri, Dec 24 2021 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
Birkbeck, London v Portsmouth
Mon, Dec 27 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Kent v Goldsmiths, London
Tue, Dec 28 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Jeremy Paxman asks the questions in the last first-round match of this Christmas series.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Dec 29 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Dec 30 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E10
Grand Final
Fri, Dec 31 2021 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
10 episodes
E01
SOAS University of London v Balliol College, Oxford
Mon, Dec 19 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E02
University College, Oxford v University of Glasgow
Tue, Dec 20 2022 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E03
Durham University v University of York
Wed, Dec 21 2022 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E04
Exeter College, Oxford v Queen Mary University of London
Thu, Dec 22 2022 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E05
University of Hull v University of the West of England
Fri, Dec 23 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E06
UCL v University of Aberdeen
Mon, Dec 26 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
University of Bristol v University of Cardiff
Tue, Dec 27 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E08
Semi Final
Wed, Dec 28 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Two alumni teams return to contest the first semi-final of 2022's Christmas competition. Jeremy Paxman asks the questions.
E09
Semi Final
Thu, Dec 29 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E10
Grand Final
Fri, Dec 30 2022 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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
9 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Mon, Dec 18 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.
E02
Episode 2
Tue, Dec 19 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.
E03
Episode 3
Wed, Dec 20 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 21 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.
E05
Episode 5
Fri, Dec 22 2023 8:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The annual Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni.
E06
Episode 6
Tue, Dec 26 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E07
Episode 7
Wed, Dec 27 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Two alumni teams return to contest the first semi-final of the Christmas competition. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E08
Episode 8
Thu, Dec 28 2023 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
E09
Episode 9
Fri, Dec 29 2023 7:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
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.
Season 2024
10 episodes
E01
Warwick v Durham
Mon, Dec 23 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Christmas University Challenge 2024 begins with a match between graduates of Warwick and Durham. Yomi Adegoke and Carla Denyer are team captains, and Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E02
Worcester College, Oxford v Bristol
Tue, Dec 24 2024 8:45 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Distinguished graduates of Worcester College, Oxford face notable Bristol alumni. Players include Tom Parker Bowles and Lord Paul Boateng. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E03
Manchester Metropolitan v Brighton
Thu, Dec 26 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This year's festive specials continue. Manchester Metropolitan plays Brighton, captained by Debra Stephenson and Adam Pearson. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E04
Leeds Trinity v Nottingham
Fri, Dec 27 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's another heat in this year's Christmas competition. Lauren Layfield leads a team from Leeds Trinity, while Yasmin Ali captains Nottingham. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E05
Southampton v Churchill College, Cambridge
Sun, Dec 29 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In another Christmas heat, former Southampton students, captained by Justine Greening, face alumni of Churchill College, Cambridge, headed by Helen Czerski. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E06
Emmanuel College, Cambridge v Queens' College, Cambridge
Mon, Dec 30 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The Christmas series continues with a Cambridge derby. Emmanuel graduates and Queens' alumni go head-to-head, led by Stig Abell and Jenny Kleeman. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E07
St Andrews v LSE
Tue, Dec 31 2024 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In the final heat of this year's Christmas competition, St Andrews alumni face graduates of the LSE, captained by Abigail Thorn and Mark Urban. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E08
Episode 8
Wed, Jan 1 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the first semi-final, and two of the highest-scoring winning teams from the heats return to play again. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E09
Episode 9
Thu, Jan 2 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Another two teams of notable alumni return to contest the second semi-finals. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E10
Final
Fri, Jan 3 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the grand final of the Christmas competition for teams of distinguished alumni. Who will be crowned the 2024 champions? Amol Rajan asks the questions.
Season 2025
10 episodes
E01
Durham v Manchester
Mon, Dec 22 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The festive series begins with a match between Christmas 2024's champions Durham and Series 10 runners-up Manchester. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E02
UCL v Leeds
Tue, Dec 23 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Alumni teams from UCL and Leeds reunite for a second chance at being crowned Christmas University Challenge champions. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E03
Keble College, Oxford v Hull
Wed, Dec 24 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Keble College, Oxford play Hull in another Christmas match. Anne-Marie Imafidon and Joanna Nadin lead the teams, and Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E04
Trinity College, Cambridge v Bristol
Fri, Dec 26 2025 9:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The first ever Christmas series champions, from Trinity College, Cambridge, return to take on the Bristol team from Series 8. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E05
Exeter College, Oxford v Trinity Hall, Cambridge
Sun, Dec 28 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Teams from Exeter College, Oxford, led by Reeta Chakrabarti, and Trinity Hall, Cambridge, captained by Adam Mars-Jones, return to compete again. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E06
St Hilda's College, Oxford v Edinburgh
Mon, Dec 29 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Val McDermid captains a team from St Hilda's College, Oxford, and Cath Slessor leads a team of Edinburgh alumni. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E07
Middlesex v Lancaster
Tue, Dec 30 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In the final heat, Series 13 champions Middlesex face a Lancaster team that reached the semi-finals of Series 3. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E08
Semi-Final 1
Wed, Dec 31 2025 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the first semi-final of this special all-star seasonal series. Two of the highest-scoring winning teams from the heats return to play again. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E09
Semi-Final 2
Thu, Jan 1 2026 8:30 PM GMT+0000
35 min
Another two teams of notable alumni return to contest the second semi-final. Amol Rajan asks the questions.
E10
Final
Fri, Jan 2 2026 8:30 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's the grand final of the 2025 Christmas competition. Who will be crowned champion of this all-star series? Amol Rajan asks the questions.