The BBC has announced that journalist Amol Rajan will be the new host of BBC Two quiz show University Challenge. He will take over from Jeremy Paxman, who is stepping down after 28 years, from autumn 2023.
Rajan, 39, has been the BBC’s Media Editor since December 2016 and a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme since May 2021. He has also presented on BBC Radio 2 and The One Show, and was previously editor of The Independent newspaper.
Rajan 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, 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 will start filming early next year and be seen on screen from autumn 2023 onwards. He will step down as Media Editor at BBC News later in the year, and will continue to be a presenter on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme as well as continue Amol Rajan Interviews.
Jeremy Paxman 72, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year, has presented the show since it was revived by the BBC in 1994. He will film his last episode this autumn and his final series will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from Monday August 29 through to summer 2023.
Jeremy Paxman said: "It's been 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."
