New Hall, 1998. PAXMAN, showing a British tourist sign: "For ten points, simply tell me what it is". New Hall's contestant Lydia Wilson buzzes in: "It's an oak leaf" There is laughter from the audience. Paxman is disgusted. "Anyone can see it's an oak leaf! I was asking what it was!"
Wilson is not fazed.
"You asked me what it wasÉYou should have said: 'What is it for?' not 'What is it?'"
"It's a sign, signifying the National TrustÉActually on a point of pedantry you may be right."
Wilson was voted Woman hour's "Woman of the Week" for standing up to Paxman.
(from 'University Challenge, The First 40 Years' Peter Gwyn, Granada 2002")
