Jeremy Paxman, the long-running host of quiz show University Challenge, is s tepping down from the role after almost three decades.
BBC journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan was announced as the new host just days after Paxman announced his exit from the show.
Rajan, who was a former editor of The Independent, began his career as a food critic. He said his new role was a "dream come true", adding that he was aware he had "vast shoes to fill" in taking over from the TV veteran.
He is set to fill Paxman's spot from 2023. Here's a look at Amol Rajan's career, when he will take over hosting University Challenge, and when Paxman's final series of the quiz show will air.
When will Jeremy Paxman's final University Challenge series air?
The final series of University Challenge with Jeremy Paxman as host will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer starting from Monday, August 29.
This means that fans of the long-running quiz show will get to Paxman on their screen from this autumn right up until summer 2023.
Of his final run as host, Paxman said: "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."
After Paxman's final episodes air, Amol Rajan will be stepping into his shoes as University Challenge host, beginning in autumn 2023.
Who is Amol Rajan and what TV shows has he been on?
Amol Rajan is a writer and broadcaster with an extensive resume across newspapers, radio and television.
The India-born journalist moved to England when he was three years old. He completed his secondary education in Tooting, London before pursuing an English degree at Downing College, Cambridge.
Amol, who used to edit his student newspaper during university, has worked in several different roles at The Independent – from sports correspondent to restaurant critic and editor.
He has also been a columnist for the Evening Standard.
Amol became part of the Radio 4 Today programme presenting team in May 2021.
He has been the BBC ’s media editor since December 2016, from which he will step down later this year.
On TV, he is best known for BBC documentary The Princes and The Press, which looked at Prince William's and Harry's relationship with the media.
He also worked as a presenter for The Wright Stuff in 2006-2007. The food lover has appeared on shows Newsnight, Question Time, The Papers, This Week, Breakfast and The One Show.
When will Amol Rajan take over as University Challenge host?
The BBC confirmed on August 18 that Amol Rajan would be taking over as the host of University Challenge, after Jeremy Paxman quit the role after 28 years.
Amol, 39, said in a statement: "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."
Amol will be taking over hosting of University Challenge in autumn 2023, as Jeremy will be filming his final shows in late 2022.
Is Amol Rajan married and does he have children?
Amol is married to Dr Charlotte Faircloth, an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Science at University College London’s Institute of Education.
The couple tied the knot in Cambridge in September 2013 and share two children together - son Winston and daughter Jamaica.
