A University Challenge captain left viewers bewitched during the latest episode of the BBC2 academic quiz – but not by his intellect, but with his very silky voice.
Philosophy student Atyab Rashid, 22, led his team, King’s College London, to a quarter-final place in a convincing 165 to 115 victory over Hertford College Oxford during the latest episode.
For many viewers, Rashid, the series favorite, was the highlight of the show. One viewer compared it to warm honey.
One fan said that Rashid is from Daventry, Northamptonshire and has such a natural diction it makes the Queen sound more common. Another fan suggested that Rashid was so easy to work with, he could ‘be next James Bond.
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King’s College London captain Atyab Rashid, from Daventry, Northamptonshire once again left viewers of University Challenge swooning over his ‘warm honey’ voice after his team took on Hertford College Oxford
One smitten fan of the Philosophy student’s perfect diction swooned ‘Rashid needs to be the voice of every audio book I ever want to read’ Pictured: Rashid pictured on social media after featuring in political podcast The Civil Row
Ananth Sathyanath from Hampshire is a student in medicine and Rachel Bedwin from South West London, a student of developmental biology, joined Oliver Beard from South East London.
There was a lot of anticipation about Rashid’s return on screens. Many were seduced by his voice from the moment the contestants presented themselves.
On Twitter: @KDCunliffe joked: ‘He’s back. He’s just finished reading out loud the phone book and having it recorded. It’s the greatest audio book I’ve ever heard in my life.’
@wendywoo_rarara commented: ‘Ohhhh it’s Mr Rashid with the loveliest voice. This is the one I have been looking for.
Another fan, @wendzedin, said: ‘#Rashid has hypnotised and seduced 95% of viewers tonight, it’s an unprecedented phenomenon.’
@Beltane_ said: ‘Can we please marry Rashid’s voice? and @DebsLakin penned: ‘I love Rashid’s beautiful voice – he makes the Queen sound common!’
Rashid says that he is dedicated to improving social mobility in higher education and increasing diversity through LinkedIn.
@ShanghaiHannah remarked: “Rashid must be the voice for every audiobook I want to listen to,” while @sarawroteit said his voice was like “warm honey”.
King’s was victorious this time. In their previous appearance in July, King’s managed to win victory over Glasgow by 15 points. However, their most recent match saw them score a comfortably 50 point victory.
Apart from television, she is involved with Young Barnet Foundation, a non-profit that supports local opportunities and initiatives for London’s youth.
Rashid, the captain of team, is a keen artist enthusiast and studying for a BA Philosophy degree at King’s College London with a specialization in political philosophy. Photo: A social media photo
LinkedIn describes him as dedicated to “social mobility and increasing diversity within higher education.”
He is also a committed member of the Liberal Democrats Party and is the vice-president of the King’s College London Liberal Democrat Society, having spoken at events on topics such as global democracy and the EU.
Rashid maintains a blog that shares his political thoughts on current events.