Jeremy Paxman's dementia battle - first signs to quitting University Challenge
University Challenge fans were disappointed earlier this year when long-time host Jeremy Paxman announced he was quitting the quiz after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 73-year-old broadcaster was host of the long-running BBC gameshow for almost 30 years – sitting in the questions chair from 1994 until 2023. Jeremy took over from Bamber Gascoigne, who was the programme's original host from the shows inception on ITV from 1962 to 1987.
He has been replaced by 40-year-old journalist Amol Rajan, who himself was a contestant on the show back in 2020.
After being announced as Jeremy’s replacement in August last year, Amal gushed: "I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber, and that giant of British culture, Jeremy, I have vast shoes to fill."
Jeremy Paxman has left University Challenge and is battling Parkinson's disease (Getty Images Europe)And while Amol gets settled into the hosting chair, Jeremy continues his personal health battle.
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Jeremy announced his diagnosis in 2021, but remained determined to continue working "for as long as they'll have me".
He said in May 2021: "I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.
"I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they'll have me and have written about my diagnosis in more detail for the June issue of the marvellous Saga Magazine."
Amol Rajan is the new host of University Challenge (PA)Parkinson’s disease, which affects around 145,000 people in the UK, is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years.
There are three major warning signs; tremors or shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness.
Other symptoms include problems with balance, loss of smell, nerve pain, excessive sweating and dizziness.
Some people can also experience a lack of sleep, excessive production of saliva and problems swallowing - which can also cause malnutrition and dehydration.
And in 2022 Jeremy gracefully bowed out of University Challenge, saying: "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."
BBC’s Director of Unscripted, Kate Phillips, said at the time: "Since the BBC revived University Challenge in 1994 Jeremy has been at the front and centre of the show’s success and is without doubt one of the world’s finest, and most formidable quizmasters.
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"We are hugely grateful to Jeremy for his dedication to the programme for an incredible 28 years, he will be much missed by us all and the show’s millions of viewers."
ITV viewers were left in tears last October when Jeremy shared details of his battle against the disease.
He explained that he was diagnosed after he fell over and doctors noted he had the signs of ‘Parkinson’s mask’ – which is when the facial muscles become less responsive due to the disease.
Fans flooded social media to share their support for the broadcaster, with one writing: "Oh my days, Paxman. He looks so, so different, makes my heart sink that it can happen so quickly.”
Another added: "Well, this is getting me a bit emotional. Good job I am home alone," alongside a crying emoji.
Jeremy signed off from his final episode of University Challenge last year.
He said at the end of the episode: "It remains for me to thank [author] Jung Chang for presenting the trophy, all the teams who have entertained us over the past months, and you for watching.
"University Challenge returns later in the year and I look forward to watching it with you. So it’s good night for me. Good night."
Meanwhile, Amol begins fronting University Challenge on Monday July 17.
After being announced as the replacement host last year, he said: "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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