Bristol MP to appear on University Challenge Christmas Special

Bristol MP Carla Denyer will be joining the line-up for the 2024 edition of the University Challenge Christmas Special. The special edition of the much-loved show airs on BBC Two on Monday, December 23.

Chaired by host Amol Rajan, this special edition sees fifty-six distinguished alumni from fourteen universities - one of whom is Bristol Central MP and Green Party co-leader, Carla Denyer.

Denyer is part of an all-female line-up on the Durham University team. Her team mates include broadcaster Tracey Macleod, author and pioneer of TikTok journalism, Sophia Smith Galer and professor Liz James.

Speaking about her experience on the show which will be broadcast on Monday, December 23, Denyer told Bristol Live: “It was a lot of fun. I am quite a fan of University Challenge, so it was a surreal 'I've walked through the television set' moment to be in the studio and hear Roger Tilling say "Durham Denyer!" when I pressed the buzzer.

“I didn't know any of my teammates before we met for the programme, but it was a joy to get to know each other. And with expertise ranging from engineering to byzantine art to food to opera, I think we made a pretty good team.”

Speaking about the 2024 Christmas Special, host Amol Rajan said: "There is always something magical about the Christmas series of University Challenge, and this year is no exception. The contestants are a rather lovely bunch of journalists, academics, politicians and other assorted professionals, all trying desperately to remind themselves of what they've forgotten from their own student days.

“ I can't give away too much but we have some wonderful laughs, several thrilling finishes, and a little Christmas surprise that you won't want - or be able - to miss!"

The University Challenge Christmas series, starts on December 23 at 8.30pm on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.