University Challenge

Plymouth will take on a rival team this week when filming for the new series begins, under the daunting gaze of question master and Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman. The final team of five – four players and one reserve – were selected to represent the University after a series of rigorous tests and a televised selection process. The line up includes team captain Peter Lord, from Hampshire and who is studying International Relations; Rachel Remnant, from St Albans, who is studying Medicine; Laura Donaghy from Co. Tyrone; and Rebecca Emmett, from Surrey, who is doing a PhD in Early Modern History. The team has cited a ‘mixture of curiosity, a way to test their knowledge and an addiction to pub quiz machines’ as the reasons for putting themselves forward for the challenge. Peter Lord said: “It is an honour to represent the University of Plymouth. While we know it’s going to be tough, between us we’ve got a good all round knowledge of a range of subjects and we hope this will stand us in good stead when we face Jeremy Paxman’s gruelling questioning.