BBC in University Challenge probe (updated)

The BBC says it is investigating claims that a member of University Challenge's winning team was not eligible to take part in the competition. Corpus Christi College, Oxford, led by Gail Trimble, romped to victory over Manchester University on the BBC TV quiz last week. But the BBC are looking at claims Sam Kay, who told viewers he was studying chemistry, graduated in June last year. The rules state that contestants must be a current student. Mr Kay reportedly left Corpus Christi after failing to get funding for his PhD and is now working as an accountant. A spokesperson for Oxford University said: "Eligibility is a matter for the BBC and they are looking into it.

The BBC has disqualified the winners of University Challenge for breaking the rules by using a contestant who was no longer a student. The title has been transferred to the University of Manchester, who were beaten by Corpus Christi College, Oxford on the TV quiz last week. By the time the final was filmed Sam Kay, from Surrey, was working as an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr Kay has apologised and said "it was never my intention to mislead anyone."