You Bet! On Tour is coming to town

Rob Beckett, Alison Hammond, and Nick Mohammed recently visited Cambridgeshire to film the holiday special episode of You Bet! On Tour. The recently revived 90s gameshow, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, and featuring a celebrity panel, selected the historic Kimbolton Castle as the filming location for their holiday episode. The special was filmed this past August and is set to air just after Christmas, on 27/12. Although the 12th-century castle is best known as the final residence of Catherine of Aragon, it is currently serving as part of Kimbolton School. Headmaster Will Chuter shared his excitement about the school featuring in the show, stating: “We are proud that viewers across the country will be able to experience a glimpse of this remarkable setting during such a joyful, festive programme.”

Research published on uncanny chatbots

A recent University of Cambridge study examined the ‘personalities’ of popular AI chatbots. Researchers evaluated 18 large language models using adapted versions of well-known personality tests. The study found that larger instruction-tuned chatbots, such as GPT-4o, provided the most human-like personality profiles. Alongside their findings, the researchers issued a warning about the dangers of human-like chatbots. The study warned that chatbots with more human personality traits may perpetuate a growing ‘AI psychosis’, and suggested that the newly adapted personality testing tool could be used by regulating bodies to vet AI models before they become public.

Pembroke student is first Royal Albert organ scholar

Pembroke student Molly Hord was recently announced as a recipient of the first-ever Royal Albert Hall Organ Scholarship. Hord is currently Pembroke’s Senior Organ Scholar and will begin her scholarship after she graduates in 2026. Reacting to the announcement, Hord stated: “I am delighted to have been appointed Organ Scholar of the Royal Albert Hall alongside Zosia Herlihy-O’Brien, and am immensely grateful for such an incredible opportunity!” As it stands, Pembroke currently represents two thirds of organists at the Royal Albert Hall. The year-long programme is led by the Hall’s first-ever official Organist Anna Lapwood, who is also the former Janeway Director of Music at Pembroke.

Student Union holiday festivities

Term has come to a close, but for those remaining in Cambridge over the holidays, the Student Union (SU) has planned a handful of upcoming festivities. On Christmas Day, the SU is hosting a ‘Bring & Share lunch’ open to all Cambridge students. Attendees are encouraged to bring food potluck-style to the gathering. In the new year, the SU has planned two more holiday excursions. On 09/01, students are invited to join a volunteering excursion with the City Council at Paradise Nature Reserve, and on 10/01 the SU has organized a festive trip to Ely. For more information on any of these events, visit the SU events calendar.