Amol Rajan will succeed Jeremy Paxman as host of University Challenge next year after Paxman announced his decision to step down from the role earlier this week.
Rajan is currently the BBC’s media editor, a position which he has held since 2016 and has been a presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Today programme since May last year.
Paxman is filming his final episodes of the BBC quiz show which will air in 2023, with Rajan’s taking the presenter role from autumn 2023 episodes
Rajan will become the third host of University Challenge. Bamber Gascoigne presented the show when it aired on ITV, Paxman took over the presenting role when it moved to the BBC.
Commenting on his appointment, Rajan paid tribute to his dad who he says his father’s “belief in the noble challenge of university so shaped [his] life.”
Rajan added “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.”
Peter Gwyn, Executive Producer of University Challenge, adds: “The University Challenge production team is thrilled to be working with Amol as he takes the programme forward next year.
“We’ve long admired him as an outstanding journalist and broadcaster – especially as he had the guts to play for his own college in our Christmas series a few years ago!”
University of Stirling alumni appeared on the show in 2013.
Feature Image Credit: BBC
