University Challenge favourite Eric Monkman has revealed he does not see himself as “an object of desire” after he became a sensation among fans.
The Canadian student first appeared on the quiz programme in September and has since become a cult personality thanks to his “intense” facial expressions and passionate answers to the questions.
The 29-year-old economics student, who captains Cambridge University’s Wolfson College, will next appear on the programme on Monday night as the team competes in the grand final.
In an interview with the Telegraph ahead of Monday night's showdown, Mr Monkman said: “I’m just someone who really enjoys quizzing.
“I’ve been doing it for some time and it’s a really fun hobby for me.
“I’m always happy to hear there are people enjoying the show, and it was satisfying to know there were people out there who enjoyed the hobby I do, because for most of my life it felt… fringe.”
Speaking about the so-called “Monkmania”, the contestant said: “I don’t really understand it. Maybe it’s because I don’t play as if I’m on television.
“I wore the same outfit for every recording because it was one fewer thing to think about.”
Mr Monkman, who has a long-term girlfriend who is a law professor in Beijing, said: “I certainly don’t think of myself as any object of desire. I assume people are being ironic, not serious. I think they’re just trying to be funny.”
His fandom led to many people hailing the contestant as their “favourite TV personality ever” while another said they cannot remember “what life was like before Monkman”.
He will return to TV screens with his Cambridge team on Monday at 8pm on BBC Two.
