BBC University Challenge host issues deadpan response as BOTH teams think UK is part of EU in huge blunder

BBC University Challenge host issues deadpan response as BOTH teams think UK is part of EU in huge blunder

WATCH NOW: University Challenge contestants leave host Amol Rajan stunned with EU answer

BBC
Alex Davies

By Alex Davies


Published: 30/01/2024

- 14:23

Amol Rajan was taken aback by the teams' response to a geography probe on Monday's show

Two teams taking part in this series of University Challenge left host Amol Rajan and BBC viewers alike dumbfounded with their response to a question about European geography.

Rajan had welcomed students from Trinity College, Cambridge and the Open University to the show in Monday's episode as they each vied for a spot in the quarter-final stage.


In a rather tense match full of back-and-forths between both teams, students from either side exhibited impressive knowledge about a wide range of subjects.

However, in a blunder that's since gone viral on social media, it appeared both sides had forgotten about the 2016 referendum in which the UK voted to leave the EU.

The moment in question came as Rajan put to both teams: "Answer as soon as your name is called.

"Name the two countries that are members of both the European Union and the Commonwealth."

University Challenge

Neither Trinity nor the Open University got the EU/Commonwealth probe right

BBC

Contestant Romans for the Open University buzzed in first and quick as a flash answered: "United Kingdom and Malta."

Of course, the UK was incorrect but instead of opting for a replacement for it, Trinity College student Kang thought Malta was the wrong answer.

He then buzzed in and answered: "United Kingdom and Cyprus."

Rajan clearly found the mishaps amusing as he quipped: "I'm presuming you guys have all forgotten about this thing called Brexit.

"You could've had it between you - it's Cyprus and Malta, bad luck."

Both teams began to chuckle at their respective blunders, with Kang throwing his hands in the air in embarrassment.

And it wasn't just in the studio where the blunder sparked amusement as fans at home soon flooded X with their reactions to the moment.

"How have NONE of these students heard about Brexit? #UniversityChallenge," one viewer said in disbelief as a second echoed: "I can't believe they ALL forgot about brexit #UniversityChallenge."

Amol Rajan

Amol Rajan was dumbfounded by the teams' answers

BBC

Meanwhile, a third praised Rajan: "'I'm assuming you guys have forgotten about that thing called Brexit.' Brilliant response from @amolrajan when both teams claimed UK to be a member of the EU. #UniversityChallenge."

A fourth sarcastically added: "Young people choosing to ignore Brexit there. Fair play to them #UniversityChallenge."

And a fifth saw the funny side: "They answered 'UK' twice in a question about the EU! That's hilarious! #UniversityChallenge." (sic)

In the end, it was Trinity who progressed in the contest after seeing off the Open University with a score of 190 to 170.

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