University Challenge viewers swoon over hunky contestant – and are stunned to realise teammate is his mum

UNIVERSITY Challenge viewers were left swooning over a hunky contestant – but were soon distracted by his MUM.

Monday night’s programme saw two universities returning to try and win a place in the quarter finals.

Newcastle took on UCL and viewers were immediately drawn to Louis Collier, who is studying a PGCE specialising in Physics with Maths.

Louis wasn’t your typical University Challenge contestant, opting for a black biker jacket and T-shirt as opposed to the regularly seen funky jumper or shirt sported by others.

Viewers watching at home immediately took to Twitter to comment on his cool ensemble and handsome features.

One wrote: “If the male Collier from #UniversityChallenge is single I am available and very interested, thank you.”

Another added alongside a screenshot of him: “I like watching Louis Collier!”

A third tweeted: “Louis Collier looks well handsome in a leather jacket.”

However, Louis wasn’t the only person with his surname on his team, as at the other end of the desk was Rachel Collier.

And in a further twist, she turned out to be Louis’ mum, with the student nodding his head with pride when she got answers right.

Their names were put in front of them as R.Collier and L.Collier, but viewers took issue with the way they were seated.

Many felt they should have been sat with Louis on the left and Rachel on the right as they looked at the screen, and weren’t happy that it was the other way around.

One wrote: “L. Collier & R. Collier need to swap seats.”

Another added: “L.Collier on the right and R.Collier on the left, something’s wrong methinks.”

A third tweeted: “Watching #UniversityChallenge and my OCD is going crazy. I want L.Collier on the left and R.Collier on the right. Yes I’m weird.”

UCL went on to win after nailbiting final few moments, beating Newcastle by just 10 points, 180 to 170.

University Challenge airs Mondays at 8.30pm on BBC Two.