University Challenge’s Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull have been handed their own TV series.
The pair became fan favourites after appearing on the BBC Two quiz competition.
Now they’ve been given their own, a four part series called Monkman and Seagull’s Genius Guide to Britain
It will see the pair travel up and down the country in search of British’s most remarkable scientific and technological achievements for their first TV series.
Feeding their insatiable appetite for knowledge, the Cambridge graduates and best friends will drive off the beaten track through England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to find the hidden gems of British ingenuity.
From Sir Hiram Maxim’s Captive Flying Machines to the world’s smallest museum in a phone booth, and from the Titanic’s little sister (used to ferry people to the ill-fated passenger liner) to the science of the deep-fried Mars bar, their road trip will showcase an assortment of remarkable inventions whilst giving the duo the opportunity to share their pearls of wisdom along the way.
Eric Monkman, said: “Curiosity is an approach to life. The more you know, the more you realise you don’t know. My admiration for British genius is one of the major factors that led me to study in the United Kingdom.
“I am fortunate to now have the opportunity to see more of your beautiful country. I look forward to learning more about Britain’s scientific discoveries and to sharing what I learn with everyone.”
Bobby Seagull, added: “The beauty of our friendship is that we’re both driven by the same thing… a curiosity about the world. We obviously faced off on University Challenge. Eric defeated me… but I’ve forgiven him now!”
Abigail Priddle, BBC Commissioning Editor, Specialist Factual, added: “We are thrilled to be able to join Eric and Bobby on their intellectual journey around Great Britain as they visit some of the scientific and technological gems of our nations, bringing with them their own special brand of insight on everything from time travel to Beethoven’s fifth to biscuits.”
The show will be made by Label1, makers of Hospital.
Lorraine Charker-Phillips, Head of Programmes, Label1, said: “We are delighted to be making this series with such engaging new talent. Bobby and Eric are kind, sincere, and very smart. We hope their warm on-screen dynamic will encourage knowledge-hungry viewers to join them on their journey through our nation’s most unusual and enigmatic technological and scientific achievements”.
Simon Dickson, Creative Director, Label1, added: “Forget travelogues in which ‘idiots’ go abroad. Here’s one in which two very smart guys show us what’s special on our own doorstep. Expect technological marvels, amazing inventions, and feats of engineering. And some pretty surreal motorway conversations.”
The show will air on BBC Two.
