'University Challenge' team disqualified

The winners of University Challenge have been disqualified after it was discovered that one of their number was no longer a student when the last stages were filmed.

Sam Kay from Oxford's Corpus Christi college was working as an accountant when his team went up against Manchester University in the final, which took place in November and aired last week.

Following an investigation, the BBC and Granada issued a joint statement claiming that they have "no choice" but to disqualify the title holders.

The statement read: "The University Challenge rules on student eligibility are that students taking part must be registered at their university or college for the duration of the recording of the series.

"Whilst obviously not intending to, Corpus Christi broke this important rule when other universities and colleges taking part adhered to it. We therefore find ourselves in the regrettable position of having no choice but to disqualify Corpus Christi from the final. This means they forfeit their hard-fought title which now goes to the Manchester University team."

Kay has since apologised, claiming that he "never intended to mislead anyone". Manchester University team captain Matthew Yeo said that while his team accept today's decision, they are "saddened to have been awarded the trophy under such circumstances".

A spokesperson from Corpus Christi college insisted that the students entered the show in good faith. "The team had a wonderful run and we are, of course, disappointed to be losing the title," he said.