Steve Punt (back row 2nd left) with the teams

Comedian Steve Punt was at our Colchester Campus this week to host the popular Radio 4 quiz show The 3rd Degree.

The show, which pits a team of Essex students against their lecturers, was recorded in a packed Lakeside Theatre as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The 3rd Degree is recorded on location at a different university each week. Rounds vary from specialist to general knowledge, with quick-fire bell-and-buzzer rounds as well as individual questions.

Essex academics taking part were: Dr David Rush – Modern Literature; Dr Rob Johns – Politics; and Christopher Walklett – Modern History (1900-2000). Their rival Essex students were Sara Sioufi – Literature; Alessandro Georgiou – Politics; and Thomas Barry – Modern History (1900-2000).

The quiz is hosted by Steve Punt of Mock the Week and Horrible Histories, and is produced by David Tyler whose credits include Spitting Image and Not the Nine O’Clock News. Find out who won when it is broadcast in April.