Monty Don shares heartbreak over Bamber Gascoigne's death as he details their connection

express.co.uk:

Monty Don has taken to Twitter to share his heartbreak over the death of University Challenge host, Bamber Gasoigne.The Adriatic Garden's host, 66, paid tribute to the quizmaster following the news that he had died after a short illness, aged 87.In view of his 248,300 followers, Monty not only paid tribute to the TV host, but revealed a surprising link between them.The horticulturalist wrote: "Sorry to hear the death of Bamber Gasgoine - for my generation an iconic TV figure."I sat next to him at dinner once - we were taught by the same wonderful man, Arthur Sale, at university - and he was charming," he finished his post.Both Monty and Bamber studied at Magdalene College at Cambridge University.Following Monty's tweet, his fans took to the comments section to share their own memories of the TV host.Julia Stocks wrote: "When we were kids my sister used to call him Bambi Gaspoing!"Seriously though his passing is sad news.

He was unfailingly polite & kind on UC to the students."Maria Donnelly Kerr penned: "I still shout out 'Bamber Cascoigne' to 'asking the questions'..."(sic)Earlier today it was revealed the University Challenge host had died at his home in Richmond, London after suffering a short illness.The star had been married to his wife Christina for 55 years.Bamber was best known for being the original host of BBC's University Challenge.He presented the first version of the show for 25 years between 1962 to 1987.When the show started up again in 1994, Jeremy Paxman then took on the role, which he has retained since then.Bamber’s signature catchphrases included “Your starter for ten”, “fingers on buzzers” and “I'll have to hurry you”.Already academically gifted from an early age, the future TV presenter went on to.