‘He knows EVERYTHING!’ Bristol make University Challenge final for first time ever after brainbox contestant single-handedly tramples rivals Southampton
- Bristol contestant Jacob McLaughlin impressed with his ‘incredible’ knowledge
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The latest series of University Challenge in nearing its conclusion and last night’s episode saw Bristol book a coveted place in the final – for the first time in their history – thanks to what one viewer called a one-man ‘masterclass’.
Contestant Jacob McLaughlin, wearing brightly coloured knitwear, dominated the quiz, helping his team ditch Southampton University from the semi-final on Monday with a convincing 200 points to 70 victory.
McLaughlin, who’s from Gloucestershire and is studying Economics and Maths, impressed viewers watching the BBC2 academic quiz at home, with one quipping that all you can be sure of in life is: ‘Death, taxes, and McLaughlin delivering the goods.’
Serving up correct answer after correct answer to team captain Richardson, McLaughlin helped rack up a runaway lead, with Southampton looking defeated already by the half-way point.
Bristol star Jacob McLaughlin, who had a teddy mascot in top hat and tails by his name, wowed viewers of Monday night’s episode with his ‘incredible knowledge’
Watching at home, fans of the show praised the brainbox, who had a teddy mascot in top hat and tails by his name, for his ‘incredible knowledge’.
One wrote: ‘Fantastic from both teams to get this far in the #UniversityChallenge competition. Honestly though, #McLaughlin won that match as a total boss. What a player.’
Another added: ‘200 points for Bristol in the semi final against Southampton’s 70. Everyone contributed but McLaughlin is the guy to have on your team.’
Lighting up: The Economics and Maths student left viewers in awe of his string of correct answers, with one viewer quipping all you can be sure of in life is: ‘ Death, taxes, and McLaughlin delivering the goods.’
All over by half-time…Southampton were outclassed by a strong Bristol team…who more than earned their place in the finals
One viewer cooed: ‘By God, McLaughlin knows a lot of random info.’
And someone who didn’t quite appreciate the contestant’s jumper penned: ‘McLaughlin may have a crap jumper, but he has strong shoulders. Absolutely carried Bristol to the final. Well in lad!’
The episode marked one of the final appearances for host Jeremy Paxman. He filmed his last episode in the autumn and his final series will finish airing in the summer.
The veteran presenter announced last year that he was stepping down as the host of the show after 28 years, ending his reign as the current longest-serving quizmaster on UK TV.
The student was particularly impressive on composers…leaving rivals Southampton trailing early on
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: ‘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 after his doctor had seen 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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