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NEW CHALLENGE

University Challenge fans all say same thing about contestant – and it’s bad news for Jeremy Paxman’s replacement

UNIVERSITY Challenge viewers were all left saying the same thing after a contestant put in a stellar performance on the show.

Monday afternoon's instalment of the BBC Two programme saw Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge competing against St Andrews.

University Challenge viewers called for Anisimova to be 'the new Paxman'
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University Challenge viewers called for Anisimova to be 'the new Paxman'Credit: BBC
Anisimova was the stand out performer in the St Andrews team
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Anisimova was the stand out performer in the St Andrews teamCredit: BBC

As the episode played out, viewers couldn't help but notice how committed Sofya Anisimova was to her team's performance.

The military history student fiercely helped her team achieve victory, and many fans of the show called for her to be "the new Paxman".

The St Andrews team consisted of Anisimova, team leader Cryan, Gibbons and Csukai.

Although they worked together, Anisimova was often the fastest to answer and was usually correct.

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Jeremy Paxman asked St Andrews at one point: "Which Canadian comedian created and starred in the semi-autobiographical series, Feel Good, opposite Charlotte Ritchie as their girlfriend, George?"

"Mae Martin," Anisimova told her teammates, but Csukai immediately challenged her, stating: "I thought Katherine Ryan."

"No, it's Mae Martin," Anisimova replied bluntly - and it turned out she was correct.

During the music round, contestants had to name the composers of certain pieces of music and Anisimova became rather animated while conferring with her team.

"It's Bach," she exclaimed and was, once again, correct in her answer.

Viewers were quick to notice Anisimova's passionate responses, with one saying she "means business" and could become the "new Paxman".

Alongside an array of shocked-faced emojis, one person penned: "Anisimova should be the new Paxman, to be honest."

Echoing their comments, someone else said: "Anisimova is good value. I wouldn't mess with her."

While a third remarked: "I'm warming to Anisimova now she's stopped frightening me. Knows her composers."

The University of St Andrews ended up winning the round, with 140 points, while Gonville and Caius college, Cambridge received 120.

University Challenge continues on Monday at 8.30pm on BBC Two.

Jeremy Paxman is stepping down from University Challenge after 28 years
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Jeremy Paxman is stepping down from University Challenge after 28 yearsCredit: BBC
Jeremy took over from Bamber Gascoigne in 1994
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Jeremy took over from Bamber Gascoigne in 1994Credit: Rex

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