University News Last updated 27 June
What does the Principal of RBC have in common with one of the nation’s top quizzers? Well, they are one and the same person.
Stephen Maddock has demonstrated that he has more strings to his bow than music by coming out on top in BBC Radio 4’s Round Britain Quiz (RBQ) – his fifth victory in the popular programme.
Stephen has been taking part in the competition since 2003 and is now the longest-serving contestant on the world’s longest-running radio quiz show.
Partnered with Frankie Fanko, the self-confessed quiz and crossword addict led the Midlands to their first victory since 2011.
Stephen said: “I have really loved representing the Midlands in RBQ for the last 20 years. “It’s a great way of getting my brain working overtime and also connecting with the other teams who have now become good friends.
“But this year I was especially delighted that Frankie and I were able to be crowned series champions. It’s my fifth time, but the first since 2011, so a good performance was long overdue. I’m delighted that the honour of the Midlands is fully secure for another 12 months at least.”
First broadcast in 1947, RBQ has been dubbed “radio’s most fiendish quiz” because it asks contestants to solve a number of cryptic questions.
Stephen and Frankie saw off five other regional teams boasting such celebrity names as Cariad Lloyd, Stuart Maconie, Val McDermid and Paul Sinha.
Link to series: BBC Radio 4 - Round Britain Quiz, Programme 12, 2024
Pictured: (l-r) Frankie Fanko and Stephen Maddock