{"id":20437,"date":"2022-08-18T11:20:03","date_gmt":"2022-08-18T09:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1695440"},"modified":"2022-08-18T12:03:21","modified_gmt":"2022-08-18T10:03:21","slug":"amol-rajan-named-as-new-university-challenge-host-as-jeremy-paxman-exits","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/amol-rajan-named-as-new-university-challenge-host-as-jeremy-paxman-exits\/","title":{"rendered":"Amol Rajan named as new University Challenge host as Jeremy Paxman exits"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Patrick Cremona\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 18 August 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The BBC has announced that journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan will be taking over from Jeremy Paxman as the new host of University Challenge after the long-time presenter revealed his intention to depart the show<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rajan, who has been the BBC\u2019s Media Editor since December 2016 and is also a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, will begin presenting the popular quiz show in 2023.<\/p>\n

The appointment will see him step down as Media Editor at BBC News later in the year, but he will stay on as a presenter on the Today programme and will also continue his BBC Two series Amol Rajan Interviews.<\/p>\n

Speaking of his appointment, Rajan said: \u201cBeing asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants. It\u2019s the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.\u201d<\/p>

He also paid tribute to Paxman\u2019s impressive 28-year stint in the role and wrote that both the departing host and original presenter\u00a0<\/span>Bamber Gascoigne left him with \u201cvast shoes to fill.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He concluded: \u201cI won\u2019t stop thinking today about my late, beloved Dad, whose devotion to Education brought him to England, whose love of Knowledge I imbibed as a kid, and whose belief in the noble challenge of university so shaped my life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll devote my first Starter for 10 to him \u2013 and to the millions of quiz fiends who, like me, love those rare occasions when they know the answer before the students do.\u201d<\/p>\n

The BBC\u2019s Director of Unscripted, Kate Phillips, said that Rajan\u2019s \u201cexperience, expertise and sense of humour\u201d made him the perfect fit for the role and added: \u201cIf future student contestants think they\u2019ll get an easier ride with Amol taking over, they can think again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the show\u2019s Executive Producer Peter Gwyn said, \u201cThe University Challenge production team is thrilled to be working with Amol as he takes the programme forward next year. We\u2019ve long admired him as an outstanding journalist and broadcaster \u2013 especially as he had the guts to play for his own college in our Christmas series a few years ago!\u201d<\/p>\n

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BBC<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n

In announcing his decision to step down earlier in the week, Paxman explained: \u201cI\u2019ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years. I\u2019ve 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n
Paxman first took on the role in 1994 for a revived series following Bamber Gascoigne\u2019s stint between 1962 and 1987.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Looking for something to watch? Check out our TV Guide<\/a> or visit our Entertainment<\/a>\u00a0hub for the latest news. <\/strong><\/p>\n

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now \u2013 subscribe now<\/a> and get the next 12 issues for only \u00a31. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast<\/a> with Jane Garvey.<\/strong><\/p><\/body><\/html>\n

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