Jeremy Paxman announced he’s quitting as host of the long-running show University Challenge and will be replaced by journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan.
Paxman said in a statement that he has ‘had a blast’ hosting the series for nearly 29 years. He took over as host after the show was revived by the BBC in 1994. Before him, University Challenge was hosted by Bamber Gasciogne, who presented it on ITV from 1962 to 1987.
Paxman announces University Challenge departure
On August 16, Paxman, 72, announced that he would be retiring as host on University Challenge. This comes a year after the journalist and presented revealed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
‘I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and to meet some of the swottier brains in the country. It gives me hope for the future,’ Paxman said about his time on the show.
University Challenge executive producer Peter Gwyn said: ‘Jeremy has been our presenter, colleague and friend for 28 years, and everyone on the University Challenge production team will miss him greatly.’
Amol Rajan to replace Paxman as host
Rajan will take on Paxman’s role as host in Autumn 2023, as Paxman will have one final season on the show.
Rajan explained in a statement that he has watched University Challenged ‘obsessively for years.’ He is addicted to its ‘high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants,’ and dubbed it the ‘best possible antidote to cynicism about young people,’ as it allows millions of people to test their wits against the best minds of a new generation.
‘I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber, and that giant of British culture, Jeremy, I have vast shoes to fill. With his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever,’ he said.