University Challenge, Class of 2015: 8 of the quiz show’s best moments this year

Monday nights can only mean one thing. You guessed it: University Challenge.

2015 has given us possibly some of the best answers and the most memorable contestant appearances we’ll be craving more of come 2016. So, for now, let’s reflect on those oh-so-fond moments we’ll be taking with us into the new year. Note to self: tissues at the ready. This countdown may be emotional:

8) That buzzer incident

Charlie Clegg from St John’s College at Oxford - who bore a striking resemblance to a popular Scottish band composed of twin brothers - seemed to forget how quiz shows work when the theology student almost leapt out of his chair at the sound of his teammate’s buzzer. Simple, yet hilarious.

7) That other buzzer incident

Also at Oxford (maybe it’s an Oxford thing?), international relations student Mathias Ormestad Frendem - originally from Oslo in Norway - seemed to have unknowingly followed in the footsteps of fellow student Clegg to almost jump out of his seat at the sound of his own teammate’s buzzer. Ormestad Frendem’s reaction, though, was way better than Clegg’s and was watched and rewatched by Twitter and Vine for days after.

6) Afrogate

Despite leaving the set reeling after a crushing 305 to 75-point defeat against Imperial College, Nicholas Bennett - a mathematics student from the Sidney Sussex College Cambridge - still managed to win over viewers who were just in awe of his unusual hair, a cross between an afro and a quiff.

5) ‘Bezer the geezer’

In the same episode, Imperial College’s physics enthusiast James Bezer a.k.a. Bezer the geezer left jaws on the floor as he practically single-handedly carried his team to victory in a performance the word “stellar” wouldn't do it justice.

4) You study what…?

To say Kate Lynes from Queen Mary University in London sent Twitter into a frenzy is a gross misunderstatement. Yet, she did just that when, during introductions, she revealed she was studying for an MD in sphincter preservation. Yes, you read that right.

3) Vestgate

Kamil Shah of King’s College at Cambridge: we’ll forever be indebted to you for keeping us on the edge of our seats - at home and at work in the days after - when you almost broke Twitter after breaking away from the style norm to appear on the show wearing a leather vest and chunky, gold chain. Enough said.

2) Oscar Powell

The geological sciences student from Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, reached legendary status after pulling some of the strangest, yet most entertaining, facial expressions when thrown those tricky questions by host Paxman. Even his own teammates struggled to keep straight faces when he became a bit too enthusiastic when trying to guess Je T’aime by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin during the music round.

As if he hadn’t already, young Powell earned a special place in our hearts when he boldly told Twitter: “Yes, I know I'm odd. No, I don't mind you pointing it out. I might actually find it quite amusing.”

One Twitter user, though, summed-up our feelings for Oscar by saying: “Bravo, Oscar. You have won, not only University Challenge, but the nation.”

1) Ted Loveday

The only name you will have to remember from the show from this year is Ted Loveday. The student from Gonville & Caius College at Cambridge was hailed the “best contestant ever” for taking less that three seconds to correctly answer a question with “Hapax legomenon.” Don’t believe us? Watch the incredible moment for yourself.

So, there you have it. University Challenge, Class of 2015: we salute you. Class of 2016: we hope you will be just as memorable.