Amol Rajan has been announced as the new host of BBC’s University Challenge.
The 39-year-old presenter will be taking over from long running host Jeremy Paxman, who fronted the show for over 28 years.
In a statement, the journalist said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory.
READ MORE: Jeremy Paxman steps down from University Challenge after 28 years on BBC show
“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.”
He continued: “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.
(Image: BBC/ITV Studios/Rachel Joseph)
“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.”
Jeremy, 72, announced his departure from the show after almost three decades last month on Tuesday (August 16).
He said at the time: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.
(Image: BBC)
“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.”
The news of Jeremy’s departure from the popular quiz show comes after he previously disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year.
Discussing the impact broadcaster Jeremy had on the programme, University Challenge executive producer Peter Gwyn said: “Jeremy has been our presenter, colleague and friend for 28 years, and everyone on the University Challenge production team will miss him greatly.
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“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 1,000 matches.”
First airing in 1962, University Challenge returned for its 50th series on July 12 this year.
Giving two university teams the chance to compete with a series of tough, high-brow questions, the highly knowledgeable show quickly became a proven hit amongst Brits and is classed as national institution.
In 1992, former Newsnight host Jeremy presented the show taking over from first ever host Bamber Gascoigne.
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