University challenged: Trimble's team-mate wasn't a student
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.University Challenge's losing finalists have demanded a rematch, after it emerged that a member of Gail Trimble's victorious Corpus Christi side was no longer a student at the Oxford college.
Sam Kay, of Frimley in Surrey, seems to have breached the rules by claiming he was still studying chemistry, when in fact he had graduated with a first in June and was working for PricewaterhouseCoopers. Contestants are required to be students for the duration of the competition's filming and broadcasting.
In the final against Manchester University, recorded two months ago, Mr Kay correctly answered two starters-for-10 when Corpus Christi were lagging. More than 5.3 million people tuned in on Monday, after Ms Trimble's performances in earlier rounds led to her being dubbed "the greatest contestant ever".
Manchester contestant and PhD student Henry Pertinez, 27, said: "They must have made a mistake with the application. Granada was very strict. It's unfortunate, but all of us would definitely be up for a rematch."
Mr Kay told The Observer: "I was a student when I applied to be on the show and when we filmed the first two rounds, so I don't think I've done anything wrong." A BBC spokesman said the corporation was investigating and expected to announce its findings early next week.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments