Jersey student sets Edinburgh a 'starter for ten'

Tuesday 13 September 2016

It was the Island Games which got Jersey student Nat Guillou off to a flyer in University Challenge this week.

As an Islander himself, he perhaps had an unfair advantage, but Nat correctly identified Gotland on a map, ahead of his colleagues, and more importantly quicker than his opponents from Edinburgh University. The Swedish island will be the next host of the Games in 2017, having previously hosted the event in 1999 - essential knowledge for any Island-born quiz-meister.

Mr Guillou was representing Durham University after having just completed his Masters in Arab World Studies at St Chad’s College, and his answers helped propel them through a tightly-fought contest. 

With just minutes to go, Nat correctly identified the OAS as the Organisation of American States to set up a close finish.

But in the end, Edinburgh edged it by 190 points to 155. Host, Jeremy Paxman, consoled the Durham team by predicting that with a good score like 155, they would probably remain in the competition as one of the best 'losers.'

The popular quiz show, which has been running for 54 years, puts British universities against each other in a battle of knowledge with questions on everything from popular music to quantum mechanics.

The former Victoria College student said the selection process to appear on the programme was rather arduous. Mr Guillou had to pass “quite a lengthy series of written tests” as well as “a competition” between Durham’s various colleges before he was chosen for the final team.

Speaking about being selected for the Durham team, Mr Guillou said: “As a long-time fan of the programme I thought I probably knew enough answers when shouting at the TV to have a go at applying, but never imagined I would actually get into the studio. 

“It was very intimidating facing down Paxman under the studio lights, but it was a real thrill and all the production staff were very helpful and supportive of us nervy students. I think I may be the first person from Jersey to appear, which is something that I am obviously immensely proud of.”