BBC announce University Challenge return with new host in cheeky video

Virgin Radio

5 Jul 2023, 10:29

The BBC announces the return of the much beloved quiz, University Challenge, on 17th July with radio veteran Amal Rajan taking on the revered role as host

Although the news of Rajan filling the shoes of former host Jeremey Paxman has been known for some time now, avid quizzers and long term fans of Britain’s longest running quiz show have yet to have a taste of what Rajan's style of quizmaster-y would be like.

That has all changed as of this morning (5th July) when the BBC shared a rather tongue in cheek video via Twitter, of the former news editor on the iconic set.

In the video, the presenter is seen sitting in the usual University Challenge chair, saying: “Fingers on buzzers, then, here is your first starter for 10: Who is the new host of University Challenge?”

The camera then flips to four contestants, all rather humorously played by Rajan, who rush to buzz and answer “Amol Rajan!”

However, our future Don of proceedings dismisses this as "a ridiculous answer."

New host Amol Rajan will become only the third person to present the main series of the programme in its 61-year history, and will bring his own distinctive approach to the role. 

When news was first broken about his upcoming role in the show, Rajan released the following statement: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory,” he said. “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 [Gascogine], 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.”

This all follows after Paxman’s announced that he would be leaving the show after an impressive 29 years at the helm, with his final appearance being the last series final in May.

Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, Paxman decided upon stepping down in order to spend more time at home.

Audiences can watch University Challenge on July 17th at 8:30pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.