University Challenge fans besotted by contestant's joyful expressions

‘Absolute box office!’ University Challenge contestant leaves fans besotted by her VERY expressive reactions – as two Cambridge teams go head-to-head in the quarter finals

• Newnham College took on Jesus College in a battle of the Cambridges 
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University Challenge viewers enjoyed a particularly animated display by a Cambridge University brainbox in the programme’s latest episode, dubbing her ‘possibly the most delightful contestant to ever grace the show’. 

The Monday night installment of the BBC2 quiz saw a battle for home pride ensue, as Cambridge Newnham College took on Cambridge Jesus College…only for a lively Newnham to romp to an easy victory. 

Those tuning in to the second round of the quarter-finals of the academic quiz – Jeremy Paxman’s last series at the helm – loved the expressive reactions of English student Bethan Holloway-Strong, as she helped guide her team to an impressive 215 to 115 points victory, eliminating Jesus College from the competition.  

Particularly strong was Holloway-Strong’s musical theatre knowledge. Her correct answers on songs from shows such as The Music Man and A Chorus Line helped Newnham, Cambridge’s Women’s College – edge further away from their rivals.

Throwing her hands aloft with joy after Paxman confirmed the right answers, she also chuckled when the host admitted he enjoyed the team’s debate on which answers to proffer. 

English student Bethan Holloway-Strong, who describes herself as from Surrey and Australia, won legions of fans with her latest animated appearance on University Challenge

The student, who describes herself as from Surrey and Australia, is studying for a degree in English at the prestigious university.

She’s won plenty of fans as the series has progressed. One, @AndrewJazzie, called her ‘Possibly the most delightful contestant to ever grace University Challenge. Wonderful to see.’

@JChatfield94 added: ‘Holloway-Strong brings so much joy and enthusiasm to this competition. Long may Newnham stay in it.’

@KDCunliffe added: ‘Holloway-Strong is absolute box office. What a joy to see.’

The facial expressions kept coming…along with the correct answers as Newnham College Cambridge trounced home rivals Jesus College

Jeremy Paxman, set to step down as host of the show, commiserated the losing team with the line ‘Bad luck Jesus’

Paxman admitted he enjoyed Newnham’s debate in the musical theatre round

Holloway-Strong’s correct answers on songs from shows such as The Music Man and A Chorus Line helped Newnham, Cambridge’s Women’s College – edge further from rivals

The team proved victorious in the elimination round, heading into the semi-finals of this year’s series

He filmed his last episode in the autumn and his final series will finish airing in the summer.

Host Paxman, who announced in the summer that he’s stepping down as the host of the show after 28 years, ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on UK TV, was in fine form, commiserating the losing team with the line ‘Bad luck Jesus’.

The 72-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year, has presented the show since it was revived by the BBC in 1994.

The journalist and broadcaster said at the time: ‘I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.

‘I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and to meet some of the swottier brains in the country. It gives me hope for the future.’

In June 2014, Mr Paxman left BBC current affairs programme Newsnight after 25 years as its presenter.

He revealed in May last year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He said his doctor had him tested for the incurable condition after seeing him on University Challenge during lockdown.

The veteran presenter said he suffered regular falls, including one that left him with ‘black eyes’, and admitted it was ‘very hard to know you’re not going to get better’.

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