Jeremy Paxman steps down as University Challenge host after 28 years
He joined the BBC quiz show in 1994
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
After 28 years of hosting quiz show University Challenge, it's been announced that Jeremy Paxman will be stepping down. He joined the BBC show when it was revived in 1994 and will host his final episode this autumn.
Why did Jeremy Paxman leave University Challenge?
Jeremy released a statement about his time on the show, saying: 'I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years. 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.’
Executive Producer of University Challenge, Peter Gwyn, commented: 'Jeremy has been our presenter, colleague and friend for twenty-eight years, and everyone on the University Challenge production team will miss him greatly.
‘He’ll be sorely missed too by both our audience and by the generations of students who’ve relished the chance to pit themselves against him in more than a thousand matches.’
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of Unscripted, also added: "Since the BBC revived University Challenge in 1994 Jeremy has been at the front and centre of the show’s success and is without doubt one of the world’s finest, and most formidable quizmasters.
"We are hugely grateful to Jeremy for his dedication to the programme for an incredible 28 years, he will be much missed by us all and the show’s millions of viewers."
Who is the new host of University Challenge?
After 60 years of broadcasting, University Challenge is Britain's longest-running TV show.
Show bosses have now confirmed journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan is the new host of University Challenge.
Speaking about his new role, Amol said: "Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants. It’s 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."
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