Amol Rajan, the journalist and broadcaster, will take over from Jeremy Paxman as the host of University Challenge from autumn next year, the BBC has said.
Paxman is stepping down as host of the TV quiz show after 28 years, ending his reign as the longest-serving quizmaster on UK television.
Rajan, 39, has been the BBC’s media editor since December 2016 and a presenter on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme since May last year.
He has also presented on BBC Radio 2 and The One Show, and was previously editor of The Independent newspaper.
He 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.
“I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber [Gascoigne], 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.
“I won’t 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.
“I’ll devote my first Starter for 10 to him and to the millions of quiz fiends who, like me, love those rare occasions when they know the answer before the students do.”
Rajan, who will step down as media editor at BBC News later in the year, will begin filming on the quiz early next year.
The BBC's 2021-22 annual report showed he was on a salary of £325,000-£329,999 and he is expected to be paid more as the host of University Challenge. He will continue to be a presenter on the Today programme and will also continue the Amol Rajan Interviews show.
This year, University Challenge celebrates 60 years.
