BBC University Challenge host leaves viewers furious over 'bad' on air habit

BBC University Challenge host leaves viewers furious over 'bad' on air habit Newspoint | 18/03/2025 12:39:15

's host Amol Rajan has come under fire from viewers after being accused of rushing through questions, which some claimed could potentially alter the outcome of the competition. The controversy erupted during a tense final round between Queens' University Belfast and Imperial College London on Monday evening, where Queens were trailing and had one last chance to close the gap. As Rajan fired off the rapid questions at a blistering pace, fans believed the speed gave Queens an unfair advantage-especially as they managed to pull ahead and secure the win.

Outraged viewers took to social media to express their frustration, with one writing on X, "Don't like it how Amol Rajan massively speeds up the question asking towards the end of University Challenge. Not fair on the team in front. Should be the same speed all the way through. #UniversityChallenge #bbc"

Another viewer quipped:"#UniversityChallenge Cor, Amol can talk at a tremendous pace! If he ever wants a change of career, I'm sure he'd get snapped up by Buckeye Morgan's Horse Auctions." A third said: "Amol's speeding through questions. Not good."

Some fans accused Rajan of trying to influence the result and giving Queens more opportunity to win, with one stating:

"Amol doing everything he possibly can to make sure Belfast go out here. No need for such rushing."

Others were simply stunned by his speed-reading skills: "Amol reading at the speed of light."

The comments come after viewers were left unimpressed after a recent episode as many felt the show offered up an unbelievably easy opening question.

The quarter-final clash saw Christ's College Cambridge take on Warwick, with a spot in the semi-finals at the stake.

Early in the show, host Rajan asked: "Who was the only person to sign or seal all of the following? The Declaration of Independence, the 1778 Treaty of Alliance between the 13 colonies and France, the 1783 Treaty of Paris, and the United States Constitution, of which he was the oldest signatory?"

Warwick's Siddle quickly buzzed in with the correct answer-Benjamin Franklin-earning his team 10 points. But some viewers at home thought the question was far too simple, with one posting: "First question of the show and I got it correct. I'm switching off now. #UniversityChallenge."

Another wrote: "Actually too easy #UniversityChallenge." A third joked: "Hell yeah, got questions right! Years of working at Blockbuster paid off."

Despite Warwick's early lead, Christ's Cambridge fought back to win 205-155, securing their spot in the semi-finals.