Excitement builds as two University Challenge greats prepare to do battle for a place in the final

The time is nearly upon us.

In a matter of hours, one of the most hotly-anticipated clash in University Challenge's 55-year history will be beamed into living rooms up and down the land. For a place in this year's final Emmanuel College will take on Cambridge rivals, Wolfson. But in reality, it's not necessarily the teams that are the major attractions of this particular episode. Instead, it's their two star men, captains Bobby Seagull and Eric Monkman, that will be pulling in the viewing figures. After gaining the admiration of thousands of viewers in previous rounds, Seagull and Monkman - the Ronaldo and Messi of this University Challenge El Clasico - will finally come face to face. Monkman's first appearance on the show instantly earned him legendary status a few months back. The Canadian's incredible (and at times quite scary) intensity when answering questions has seen his name trend on social media during his every appearance since.  If you're not already familiar, here's what you've been missing... https://youtu.be/ZagrO1C8UUY The charismatic Seagull, who originates from London, has also earned himself quite the following. Here's a glimpse of Emmanuel's seabird-named hero helping his side earn a place in this year's last four... https://youtu.be/CipbwKL4LE4   Understandably, excitement is growing... https://twitter.com/baum_71/status/846249594895958017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.radiotimes.com%2Fnews%2F2017-03-27%2Fits-monkman-v-seagull-in-the-university-challenge-clash-of-the-titans https://twitter.com/bendirs1/status/846318794347827202 https://twitter.com/samjustsamyeah/status/846406103172820993 https://twitter.com/JustineElyot/status/846395151383777285 8pm. BBC Two. You know what to do.