A team of bright minds from the University of Leicester is set to appear on BBC’s iconic quiz show University Challenge, hoping to inspire viewers as they compete for the title — 61 years after Leicester first won the show. The university’s original triumph came in 1963, when they defeated Balliol College, Oxford, in the competition’s inaugural series.
The 2024 team, consisting of Noah Lister, George Gowland, Greg Beeden, and Edward Owen-Beckwith, will take on the London School of Economics on BBC Two at 20:30 GMT. For third-year physics student Greg Beeden, participating in University Challenge is not just an academic feat but also an inspiring personal milestone.
“Being on the show is surreal; I’ve always wanted to do this, and seeing the behind-the-scenes magic was incredible,” Beeden shared. Living with a rare form of dwarfism, he noted, “You don’t often see people with visible disabilities on the show. I hope that inspires others who don’t fit the stereotypical mould to go after their dreams.”
The appearance of Leicester students has a unique legacy. Sandya Narayanswami, the first Indian woman to compete on University Challenge, represented Leicester while studying Biological Sciences. Reflecting on her experience, she recalls her friends cheering her on from the audience, creating an atmosphere of support and celebration.
Narayanaswami, now based in Pasadena, California, shared, “They abbreviated my name to ‘Swami’ on the nameplate — I should have insisted on my full name.” She also fondly remembers Bamber Gascoigne, the original host, describing him as “civil and sophisticated,” and someone who treated all contestants with kindness.
Her time at Leicester was transformative. Despite facing racism at her grammar school, she said, “Leicester allowed me to bloom. I was seen as an intelligent person, and that changed everything for me.”
For Leicester’s current team, the journey is about more than just answering tough questions; it’s about representing diversity, resilience, and academic ambition on a celebrated platform.
