BBC University Challenge contestant leaves viewers distracted with bold outfit choice

University Challenge fans were left distracted by an unexpected detail during Monday night's episode.

Hosted by Amol Rajan, who recently took over from long-time presenter Jeremy Paxman, the episode saw Darwin College, Cambridge, face off against Birkbeck, University of London, in the seventh first-round match.

Amol Rajan joined University Challenge as the new host in 2023, taking over from long-time presenter Jeremy Paxman, who had hosted the show for 29 years.

During the head-to-head matches, some viewers were left distracted by Birkbeck contestant Van Onzenoort, after her festive Christmas jumper stole the spotlight.

Taking to X, one person asked: "Is Van Onzenoort on #UniversityChallenge wearing a Christmas jumper?!" A second person joked: "#universitychallenge Van Onzenoort busting out the Christmas Jumper a tad early if you ask me."

A third person said: "#UniversityChallenge When was this recorded Christmas? Earliest sighting of a Xmas Jumper" A fourth person added: "Is that an early Christmas jumper from van onzenoort? #universitychallenge"

Unfortunately, by the end of the programme, Darwin College outscored Birkbeck, resulting in their elimination from the competition.

Some people were left disappointed by the results, one person said: "Fair effort from both teams there, but it was Mr Whitaker's remarkable ELEVEN(!) starters that won the game for Darwin; well done them and best of luck next time! And thanks Birkbeck for playing; a pleasant team to watch! #UniversityChallenge."

Another wrote: "It's remarkable how often on #UniversityChallenge one person does all the heavy lifting which makes for a rather dull and one-sided affair. To any future teams... when in doubt get an American. Nice to see Birkbeck have two creative writing students on their team though."

A third person chimed in: "Never mind Birkbeck. Next year maybe. #UniversityChallenge."

University Challenge continues on Monday, October 7 at 8:30pm on BBC Two.