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Eric Monkman comes out top in University Challenge after epic showdown with Bobby Seagull

Patrick Grafton-Green
Updated

University Challenge favourite Eric Monkman is through to the final of the competition after an epic showdown with fellow Cambridge student Bobby Seagull.

On Monday night, the semi-final heralded as the “battle of the century” sent social media into a frenzy, as Monkman and his Wolfston College teammates took on Seagull’s team – from Emmanuel College.

Since first appearing on screens in September, Monkman, who is studying Economics, has become something of a sensation.

He has been lauded for his intense facial expressions and impressive levels of enthusiasm, sparking the hashtag #Monkmania with his memorable performances.

Bobby Seagull took on Eric Monkman in the University Challenge semi-final (BBC)
Bobby Seagull took on Eric Monkman in the University Challenge semi-final (BBC)

His team was up against fan favourite Seagull – a man who is described as having ‘the best name on TV’.

Many people took to Twitter to express their anticipation at the battle.

One Twitter user said: “I've been waiting a lifetime for this. It's Monkman vs Seagull.”

@CasualBantam added: “The big guns are out now. It's Monkman vs. Seagull.”

@DavidBlenkinsop said: "Batman v Superman, Cowboys v Aliens, Borg v McEnroe. They are nothing compared to this. I shiver. Seagull v Monkman."

Throughout the Titanic semi-final - the closest in 12 years - people were on the edge of their seats.

And despite a late rally from the Emmanuel team, Monkman finished victorious.

Even Jeremy Paxman looked disappointed to have to bring the epic semi-final to an end.

He said to both teams: “I will say only that you guys - all of you, of whatever gender - are very, very clever.”

Monkman and his team of Justin Yang, Ben Chaudhri and Paul Cosgrove ended up with 170 points, while Seagull and teammates Bruno Barton-Singer, Tom Hill and Leah Ward finished on 140.

One person said: “All hail to the victorious @e_monkman who defeated @Bobby_Seagull.

“The seagull nation did its best.”

Bobby Seagull tweeted: "Well done my friends @WolfsonCam on getting through to the grand final of #UniversityChallenge! Shame #TeamEmma couldn’t join you."

While Eric Monkman added: "After the match, we got up to shake hands, but spontaneously did this. Hoped it would be shown in the credits. Recreated it for you instead."

The second round of the University Challenge semi-finals will be on BBC Two at 8pm on April 3.