Broadcaster Amol Rajan is the new host of the BBC quiz show University Challenge.

Mr Rajan, 39, will take over from Jeremy Paxman who announced his retirement after 28 years with the programme.

Mr Paxman is the longest-serving current quizmaster on British television.

Jeremy Paxman

University of Cambridge graduate, Mr Rajan said:

“Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory.

“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 (Gascoigne), 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.”

Mr Rajan will leave his current BBC News role as Media Editor.

Filming University Challenge will begin in the New Year for broadcast in Autumn 2023.

BBC accounts show Mr Rajan is currently paid between £325,000-£329,999 a year.

He can expect more as the host of University Challenge.