BBC University Challenge viewers witness 'best comeback ever' in show's history

The latest series of University Challenge launched with a thrilling face-off between Sheffield and Warwick students, leaving viewers gobsmacked by what's being hailed as the most remarkable comeback in the programme's history.

Monday's episode (July 14) saw Sheffield take an early lead, racking up a formidable 170 points to Warwick's 120. However, in a breathtaking final few minutes, Warwick rallied to clinch victory with a decisive 210 points, completely flipping the match.

BBC presenter Amol Rajan was visibly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, labelling it a "brilliant comeback".

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He said: "That is an absolutely perfect example of how momentum is everything, because you (Sheffield) began in the first 10 minutes by soaring and taking it away and then just disappeared at the last five minutes. I'm so sorry, bad luck, but you lost to a fantastic team."

He went on to praise Warwick as "inspirational", saying: "You guys are going to be an eternal inspiration for teams that are quite far behind with five minutes to go.

"But in the end you won by a comfortable margin. It was a brilliant comeback, we shall definitely see you again. Well done."

Amol also hinted that this might not be the last we see of Sheffield, adding: "170 might well be enough to come back again, so we might well see you again."

Viewers were quick to take to social media to share their reaction to the gripping match, celebrating it as an exhilarating kick-off to the new season, reports the Express.

One commented: "What a great start to the new series, and what an excellent recovery from Warwick! Well done them, and best of luck to them and Sheffield who will surely be back too, in your next matches!"

Another chimed in, stating: "Excellent start to the new series. This bodes well for the coming weeks..."

Amol's return as quizmaster also garnered praise among fans.

A delighted viewer remarked: "Monday nights are made for this! Two really likeable teams and what a comeback from Warwick. Quizmaster looking very sharp as ever. Welcome back @amolrajan."

"Wow what a comeback from Warwick," another fan said. "They stayed in the game when all seemed beyond them. No wonder that show was picked for episode one."

"That was by far the best comeback I've ever seen on this show," another avid fan said.

The 42-year-old quizmaster reprised his role on the show after viewers recently watched him embark on an emotional journey to the Ganges in search of healing following his father's death. The British-Indian presenter has openly discussed his struggles with bereavement, revealing how grief "can really screw you up".

His pilgrimage to India's largest religious festival, the Kumbh Mela, served as a significant step in confronting his loss. On The One Show, he shared how the profound experience had "made a big difference" in coping with his sadness.

You can catch up on University Challenge on BBC iPlayer