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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Entertainment
Abbie Meehan

Amol Rajan set to take over University Challenge as host in place of Jeremy Paxman

Radio DJ Amol Rajan has been announced as Jeremy Paxman's replacement on University Challenge, following Jeremy's resignation after 28 years.

The journalist and radio presenter, who is one of the hosts of Radio 4's Today programme, will take up the position of University Challenge host next year. Amol will continue his role at Radio 4, and will begin the new position next autumn, reports the BBC.

In a statement to his followers, Amol said: "Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory."

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The 39-year-old has become only the third presenter in the show's 60-year history, following Jeremy Paxman and Bamber Gascoigne. Jeremy Paxman announced his departure from the show earlier in the week, as Edinburgh Live reported that he would be no longer presenting the show.

The 72-year-old announced in 2021 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and has been presenting the show for almost three decades.

Due to this new announcement, Amol will no longer continue his role as the BBC's media editor, stepping down later this year. The radio presenter 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."

Referring to the iconic show's previous hosts, he added: "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."

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