Amol Rajan named new host of University Challenge

The BBC’s Media Editor Amol Rajan has been announced as the new University Challenge host.

Amol – who has been Media Editor since December 2016 – will take over from Jeremy Paxman in autumn 2023 onwards.

Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory, said Amol.

“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.”

University Challenge was revived by the BBC in 1994. Amol takes over from Paxman who has stepped down as presenter after an incredible 28 years.

Amol 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.