BBC PULLS CHRISTMAS EPISODE OF UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

The BBC have pulled an episode of the upcoming Christmas series of University Challenge after two contestants "felt their access requirements were not sufficiently met by the production."

BBC News reports that one contestant, who is blind, did not receive audio description during recording which they had been promised. BBC News also reports that a request for subtitles by another contestant, who is neurodivergent, may have been declined.

A BBC spokesperson said: "We can confirm that an episode in the upcoming series of Alumni University Challenge will not be broadcast because two of the contestants felt their access requirements were not sufficiently met by the production.

"We are working closely with producers to improve cross industry access on our programmes to ensure a consistent approach is implemented. We would like to apologise to the individuals and teams concerned, and they have been written to personally by the producers."

Lifted Entertainment, the production company behind the series, said: "During the pre-filming briefing for this episode, two contestants requested that certain adjustments be made in order for them to be able to fully participate.

"However, following the recording, we were made aware that the adjustments made fell short of their requirements. We have spoken to the individuals involved and offered our sincere apologies.

"Having listened very carefully to their descriptions of their experiences, we agreed with the BBC that the fairest course of action was not to screen this particular edition."

University Challenge celebrates Christmas by giving students a short break, and instead inviting teams of distinguished alumni to compete on behalf of their former university.

Expect to see some of the UK's finest minds test themselves on one of the UK’s toughest quiz shows, with plenty of seasonal brainteasers to test what they know - and what they don't - about pretty much everything.

University Challenge is made by Lifted Entertainment/ITV Studios (10 x 30’) for BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.