Amol Rajan's life and career as he becomes new host of University Challenge
It's been a staple show on our screens for over 60 years, and now BBC Two's University Challenge has a new host - broadcaster and journalist, Amol Rajan.
The latest season begins tonight and it'll be the first without presenter Jeremy Paxman in 28 years, but contestants will feel reassured in the company of Amol.
The Indian-born writer has an extensive resume across newspapers, radio and television, and even competed on the Christmas series himself several years back.
Amol 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."
He recently secured Phillip Schofield's first interview after leaving ITV and has grilled Piers MorganThe 40-year-old, who is best known for BBC documentary The Princes and The Press, continued to add: "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 Rajan's 'smug' swipe at former University Challenge host Jeremy Paxman
It was confirmed last August that Amol would be taking over the show, after Jeremy quit. "I've had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years," the former host penned. "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."
Jeremy announced his departure from the programme after it was revealed that he's been battling health struggles for the past few years. The 73-year-old was diagnosed with 'silent killer' Parkinson's disease in May 2021 and made the decision to leave University Challenge one year later.
In a statement to PA, he said: "I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild." The veteran broadcaster filmed his final episode for the show last August.
Amol's time as quizmaster comes after he stepped down from his seven-year role as the BBC's media editor. He also worked as a presenter for The Wright Stuff in 2006 and has appeared on shows Newsnight, Question Time, The Papers, This Week, Breakfast and The One Show.
Most recently, Amol's BBC series has seen him interview controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan and he secured Phillip Schofield's first television interview after he resigned from ITV. Greta Thunberg, Bill Gates and Richard Branson are among the other famous faces he has proudly put questions to.
Amol, who used to edit his student newspaper during university, has worked in several different roles at The Independent, from sports correspondent to restaurant critic and editor. He has also been a columnist for the Evening Standard, and became part of the Radio 4 Today programme presenting team in 2021.
Amol is married to Dr Charlotte Faircloth, an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Science at University College London's Institute of Education. The couple tied the knot in Cambridge in September 2013 and share two children together, son Winston and daughter Jamaica.
University Challenge returns to BBC Two tonight on Monday, 17 July, at 8:30pm.
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