Jeremy Paxman: why is University Challenge host leaving, what is illness - and who is replacement Amol Rajan?

It will be the last appearance of Jeremy Paxman as host as University Challenge. The journalist and broadcaster, who is known for grilling senior political figures, including the last five Prime Ministers, has helmed the show since 1994, presenting more than 400 episodes.

Paxman has played the question master as university quiz teams compete in a series of head-to-head intense general knowledge games. Paxman’s choice comes a year after he revealed he had been diagnosed with brain disorder Parkinson’s disease. So, what has Paxman said about his departure from the show, when will his last show be, and who will replace him?

Here’s what you need to know.

How long has Jeremy Paxman been hosting University Challenge?

Broadcaster Jeremy Paxman, who is also the former host of Newsnight, has been presenting the memory and knowledge based quiz show since 1994. This means he has been hosting the show for 28 years, and by the time he steps down he will have been at the helm of the show for almost 29 years.

Why is Jeremy Paxman leaving University Challenge?

The veteran broadcaster, who has hosted University Challenge for almost three decades, announced he was stepping down a year after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The quizmaster revealed that he was receiving treatment for Parkinson’s disease since May 2021.

Executive producer Peter Gwyn said: "Jeremy has been our presenter, colleague and friend for 28 years, and everyone on the University Challenge production team will miss him greatly.

"He’ll be sorely missed too by both our audience and by the generations of students who’ve relished the chance to pit themselves against him in more than 1,000 matches."

What has Jeremy Paxman said about his departure?

In a statement, Paxman said meeting some of the most intelligent people in the country has given him hope for the future. He said: "I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.

"I’ve been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and to meet some of the swottier brains in the country. It gives me hope for the future."

What is Jeremy Paxman’s illness?

Jeremy Paxman has Parkinson’s disease. Revealing his diagnosis in May 2021, the broadcaster described his symptoms as "mild". Parkinson’s disease is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system.

The symptoms usually emerge slowly in sufferers, and as the disease worsens, non-motor symptoms become more common, such as difficulty in talking. The most obvious early symptoms are tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Shan Nicholas of Parkinson’s UK said: "Previously, Jeremy pledged to donate his brain to the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank which will, one day, help scientists uncover the discoveries that will lead to better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s.”

When will Jeremy Paxman make his last appearance on the show?

Jeremy Paxman will present his final edition of University Challenge on Monday (29 May), ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on British TV.

Who will replace Jeremy Paxman?

Paxman is only the second host of the show, which originally aired from 1962 and 1967 and was presented by quizmaster Bamber Gascoigne. Amol Rajan will take over from Jeremy Paxman as the host of University Challenge. Rajan has been the BBC‘s Media Editor since December 2016, and he’s also been a presenter on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 since 2021. He will take on the role as host of University Challenge from autumn 2023 onwards.

Who is Jeremy Paxman and his family?

Jeremy Dickson Paxman is an broadcaster, journalist, author, and television presenter. Paxman prefers to keep his private life “out of the spotlight” and says he is not interested in other peoples. Paxman split with his partner of 34 years Elizabeth Clough in 2016. The couple welcomed three children but never married. They welcomed their eldest daughter Jessica, age 31, in 1991. The couple also have 24-year-old twins Jack and Victoria.