Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain
Two warm and witty University Challenge stars go on a TECH TOUR OF BRITAIN…
DOCUMENTARY BBC2 HD, 8pm University Challenge friends Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull explore Britain ’s amazing technological achievements.
Monkman & Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain Monday, BBC2 HD, 8pm
IF YOU EVER watch University Challenge, you’ll remember Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull.
The Cambridge grads went viral last year when viewers started tweeting about Monkman’s intense facial expressions and Seagull’s bubbly personality – especially after they faced each other in the semi-finals (Monkman’s Wolfson College beat Seagull’s Emmanuel).
But fans of the show weren’t the only ones to notice their star quality – this week, BBC2 pairs them up for a new four-part documentary series, which sees the duo embarking on a quirky road trip to uncover ‘the hidden gems of British scientific and technological ingenuity’ – from the world’s smallest museum to the highest navigable aqueduct.
‘It’s a bit like QI meets Top Gear,’ jokes Seagull, 34. ‘You’ve got two friends who love learning, travelling about to look at things, and viewers go on the journey with us.’
The tour begins in Blackpool, where the pair take a trip on Europe’s oldest amusement ride – Sir Hiram Maxim’s 1904 Captive Flying Machine – and explain how centrifugal force works. They also visit a museum devoted entirely to lawnmowers.
The duo, who became friends on Cambridge’s quizzing circuit, are now in hot demand and have even collaborated on a quiz book.
‘When I went into University Challenge, I thought it would be 15 minutes of attention,’ says Seagull. ‘But it’s been life-changing. I’m really lucky that I have a platform now, and I want to use it to share my passion for mathematics.’
He wouldn’t rule out more road trips either – especially as it’s helped improve his driving.
‘I’m quite good at football, but not so great with practical things,’ he laughs. ‘I wasn’t a confident driver. But now I feel ready to take on the world!’