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The winning team in TV quiz University Challenge is being investigated after it emerged one member was no longer a student.

Sam Kay said he was studying chemistry at Corpus Christi College, Oxford - but in fact he graduated in June last year.

The four-strong team was led by "human Google" Gail Trimble, whose vast general knowledge stunned even host Jeremy Paxman.

Trimble and three colleagues went on to beat Manchester University in last week's final.

But Kay, who had left university, introduced himself in later rounds of the BBC2 programme by saying: "Sam Kay from Frimley in Surrey and I'm studying chemistry."

In reality he was working for accounting firm Pricewaterhouse-Coopers in Reading after failing to get funding for a PhD.

Kay played a major part in the team's win, correctly answering questions on chemistry.

The BBC has launched an inquiry after Kay's student status was questioned. A BBC spokesman said: "We understand the allegations made and are taking this issue seriously.

"However, we don't have time to investigate fully so will do so and report our findings early next week."

The Manchester University team has now demanded a re-run of the quiz show.

One of its members, Henry Pertinez, said: "I can't believe they had a guy working for a company on their team."

Meanwhile, it has emerged that University Challenge brainbox Trimble - who has become famous because of her vast knowledge - has turned down a five-figure sum to become the face of Hyundai's new "intelligent" car.

Millions watched Gail answer more questions than any other contestant in the show's history, leading her team to victory.

But last night it was revealed the 26-year-old turned down the approach from the car giant.

It offered her thousands of pounds as well as a brand new car to front its campaign for the new i30 intelligent hatchback car.

A spokesman said: "We wanted to celebrate her intellect and champion Britain's intelligence.

"We thought she was perfect to be the face of our new campaign for our intelligent car."

He added: "It's a brave person who turns down such a lucrative opportunity given the current financial climate.

"But you can't help but admire her integrity."

Miss Trimble has also turned down the chance to appear in a glamour photoshoot for a lads' mag.

She said of her time on University Challenge: "I want to be an academic - this has just been a bit of fun."

The postgraduate classics student grew up in Walton-on-Thames and went to Lady Eleanor Holles school in Hampton, Middlesex.