Who is Eric Monkman and when did he appear on University Challenge?
ERIC Monkman’s intensity and hilarious facial expressions led to #Monkmania back in 2017 as the Cambridge student made his name as the unlikely hero of University Challenge.
The quiz show star is back on our screens with BBC documentary series Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Adventures to Britain, alongside fellow University Challenge contestant Bobby Seagull as they go on a road trip together to discover remarkable inventions.
Who is Eric Monkman?
Eric Monkman is from Oakville, Ontario, and was a student at Cambridge University – he graduated with a Masters in Economics.
Back in 2017, the student made a name for himself when he appeared on University Challenge.
His intense facial expressions and high level of enthusiasm led to widespread adoration.
Eric is the son of two doctors and said that he felt like the “odd one” in his family due to being squeamish about blood.
Monkman has since written a quiz book with pal Bobby Seagull and the pair have starred in BBC Two documentary series Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Adventures together.
When was Eric Monkmon on University Challenge?
The 2017 final of University Challenge was a tense battle between some of the greatest minds on telly.
It was an epic clash between Wolfson, Cambridge, and Balliol, Oxford, but all eyes were on Eric.
Despite his fierce intellect the tide was against him as his team lost 190 to 140.
The Canadian economics student was responsible for almost every point earned by his team.
What did people say about Eric Monkman on social media?
His memorable appearance on the show sparked its own hashtag #Monkmania, on Twitter.
Fans went wild for his quick-fire answers and determined expressions and tweeted their support for the intellectual.
After the final, Twitter user @dudeville said: “Eric Monkman gracious in defeat, the guys a winner as far as I’m concerned, grade ‘A’ legend!”
Fans even made T-shirts that were selling on Etsy featuring his face.
After watching their hero fall at the last hurdle, one fan was so upset they called it the “biggest upset since Brexit”.
What is Bobby and Eric’s new TV show Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Adventures to Britain about?
Following the success and cult following of Eric and fellow University Challenge hero Bobby Seagull, the pair star together in BBC educational documentary show Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Adventures to Britain.
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The four-part series will be shown on BBC Two from TONIGHT at 9pm.
Bobby and Eric travel the country uncovering secrets of British ingenuity, exploring the biggest innovations of the Industrial Revolution and the Victorian era.
The duo begin at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to experience Sir Hiram Maxim’s 1904 Captive Flying Machines – the oldest amusement ride in Europe.