University Challenge sensation Eric Monkman was left grinning from ear to ear after meeting childhood hero Professor Stephen Hawking.
The Canadian, captain of the Wolfson College Cambridge team, became an online hit during this year’s series thanks to his intense facial expression and quick-fire answers.
But the economics student, who inspired the hashtag #Monkmania, could not help his team secure victory in Monday night’s final which saw his team lose to Oxford’s Balliol College by 190 points to 140.
For only the second time in the programme's 55-year history, the trophy was presented outside the studio, this time at Cambridge University, where Prof Hawking is based.
Mr Monkman was shown with a huge smile across this face, despite the trophy being handed to a rival team.
The renowned physicist told the competitors: "I have said in the past that it is not clear whether intelligence has any long-term survival value - bacteria multiply and flourish without it.
"But it is one of the most admirable qualities, especially when displayed by such young minds.
"Many congratulations to both teams but especially to Balliol College Oxford on becoming series champions on University Challenge, a programme I have long enjoyed."
Afterwards, Mr Monkman tweeted: “Thank you as well to Professor Stephen Hawking.
“It was a great honour to meet one of my childhood (and current) heroes.”
Monkman fans responded with a series of tweets, one writing: “Nice end to #UniversityChallenge there: a special appearance of one of the smartest brains on earth, and Stephen Hawking as well.. #Monkman”
Another tweeted: “What an honour for Stephen Hawking to get to meet Monkman.”
