University Challenge fans were left 'spooked' as the BBC show aired a tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper just hours after her death. The literary legend, known for her 'bonkbuster' novels such as Rivals and Riders, died on Sunday at the age of 88 following a fall.
Her children, Felix and Emily, said in a statement: 'Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.'
Monday's episode of the quiz show, presented by Amol Rajan, saw Imperial College London face Churchill College, Cambridge. In the closing moments, Amol posed a question about Dame Jilly, but the contestants failed to answer before time ran out.
Viewers took to social media to express their surprise. One wrote: 'Timely mention of Jilly on #UniversityChallenge. Lovely, sad serendipitous touch.' Another added: 'Spooky that it finished on a Jilly Cooper question.'
Queen Camilla led tributes, describing the author as a 'wonderfully witty and compassionate friend', adding: 'May her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs.'
