The final edition of University Challenge presented by Jeremy Paxman has officially aired, and the show will now be hosted by journalist Amol Rajan.
After nearly three decades at the head, Jeremy, 73, announced his intention to step away in August 2022.
Following the announcement, the novelist and broadcaster received tributes from Richard Osman, Bobby Seagull, and others.
Before signing off for the final time in May 2023, Jeremy, who has Parkinson’s disease, assured viewers that he was ‘looking forward to watching’ University Challenge from home.
When the show returns to TV screens, Amol will assume the reigns, remarking last year upon being named as the new presenter: ‘Being invited to host my favourite TV series is dream-come-true terrain.
‘I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants.’
So, just who is Amol Rajan? And have you seen him on TV before?
Who is Amol Rajan and how old is he?
Amol Rajan, 39, is a journalist and broadcaster.
He was born in Calcutta, India, and migrated to London when he was three years old. He grew up in Tooting, South West London.
Amol attended Furzedown’s Graveney School before enrolling at Cambridge’s Downing College to study English.
During his gap year at the age of 18, Amol worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
His career in media and TV began in 2005 as a secondary presenter and researcher on The Wright Stuff.
He began working for The Independent newspaper in 2007 as a News Reporter, Sports Correspondent, Columnist, Comment Editor, and Editor of Independent Voices.
When Amol became the editor of The Independent at the age of 29, he became the first non-white editor of a national newspaper in more than 100 years.
Amol departed The Independent in 2016 to become the BBC’s first Media Editor.
Amol has presented The Big Debate on the BBC Asian Network and given coverage on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4.
In 2021, he joined the Today programme’s presenting crew on BBC Radio 4.
Amol has also previously been on television as a guest host on The One Show.
What has Amol Rajan said about hosting University Challenge?
Amol called the opportunity to host University Challenge as “dream come true territory,” revealing that he has “obsessively” followed the show for years.
He added: ‘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.’
Amol went on to say that he was ‘aware’ of following in the footsteps of Bamber Gascoigne, who died in February 2022, and Jeremy, who hosted the show for 28 years.
Amol will relinquish his position as the BBC’s media editor when he takes over, although he will continue to host Radio 4’s Today Programme.
He also commended Jeremy, saying he will have big shoes to fill – and that he will dedicate his first Starter for 10 to him.
According to the BBC, Amol will begin to appear on TV in the autumn of 2023.