University Challenge shares first clip of new host Amol Rajan
The BBC has shared a first-look clip of Amol Rajan in his new role as University Challenge host.
The short clip has Rajan asking his first Starter for 10, wanting to know when the new series starts. Unfortunately, he's a bit early and there's no-one in the chairs to answer.
Here’s your starter for… University Challenge 📚
Coming soon to @BBCTwo and @BBCiPlayer @amolrajan 📺 pic.twitter.com/BC4tOWhbUn— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) June 30, 2023
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Rajan started off working in the newspaper industry and as a secondary presenter on The Wright Stuff, before becoming the BBC's Media Editor. He's presented on Radio 2, The One Show, The Media Show, and serves as a host of Today on Radio 4.
Speaking about taking over University Challenge from Jeremy Paxman, 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 [Gascogine], 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.
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"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."
Rajan's first series of University Challenge is will air soon on BBC Two and iPlayer in the autumn.
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