Paxman To Step Down

[goodgoalie]

Jeremy Paxman is stepping down as host of University Challenge after 28 years .Any thoughts on who might replace him?

Oh please, just not Sandi Toksvig!

[Hopkirk]

Oh come on, it's got to be Linda Lusardi.

[Ken4155]

These are the latest prices i could get my hands on. Obviously this is just the bookies 'guessing' and throwing names out there. Rajan isn't even mentioned, but i would imagine if anyone can get the latest prices, he will be in there somewhere:-)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/betting-tips/19527497/who-replacing-jeremy-paxman-university-challenge-bruce-richard-osman/

[FatticusInch]

Brian Cox, of course!
Good shout. Still perplexed that Stephen Fry is not in the running?
His recent health issues mean he may have recused himself anyway.

[andy-hughes]

I hope it's not Brian Cox - although I think he is unlikely - he looks like a female impersonator, and gives me the creeps.

June Sarpong has too harsh a voice for a serious quiz show, Richard Iowadie is probably not 'serious' enough with his comedy pedigree.

.I reckon Fiona Bruce would be acceptable

[andy-hughes]

Hopkirk - // Oh come on, it's got to be Linda Lusardi. //

We can dream!!

I think Ms Lusardi's previous image would be a negative, and her gorgeous eyes would be too much of a distraction.

I have interviewed her, and she is far from stupid, and utterly gorgeous, but not sufficiently academic for this show, sadly.

[FatticusInch]

You can’t mention Linda Lusardi, Prudie will be livid! Lol

[tiggerblue10]

Richard Ayoade would be brilliant.

[goodgoalie]

I, too, hope Cox isn't a serious contender - I've always disliked his simpering, half-smile delivery.

Not an easy choice, this, is it?

[sandyRoe]

Perhaps it's time they changed the tone of the show. There's a well-known clown will be available soon. Though he hardly seems avuncular and the salary may not be enough to tempt him.

[FatticusInch]

sandyRoe
//Perhaps it's time they changed the tone of the show. There's a well-known clown will be available soon. Though he hardly seems avuncular and the salary may not be enough to tempt him.//

A blond Tory with a penchant for ladies far younger than himself?
Auntie Beeb doesn’t wanna go down that route again, that definitely won’t fix it!

[cashier]

Rajan is too smug, Ayoade would try to be humerous (I don't think he is). I also have found him quite racist towards white people. It really isn't easy to think of someone with a personality abut the right amount of gravitas.

[jno]

and it's...

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/aug/18/amol-rajan-new-host-university-challenge-bbc

[Ken4155]

Haven't watched or heard any of the progs he has appeared in. Just hope he's the right guy for the job.

[Redhelen72]

// I also have found him quite racist towards white people//

I am sure he has never suffered racism from white people either!!

[FatticusInch]

Former media advisor to Lebedev?
The Beeb certainly like to be edgy! Lol

[goodgoalie]

Could have been worse, I suppose, but I can't see him staying long-term - too many other things on the go.

[ichkeria]

I had heard it was to be Amol Rajan.
A good and obvious choice IMO

He’s a brilliant interviewer

[ichkeria]

If he’s a little smug, which I’m not sure he is, then so much the better.
It’s not a bad thing to be when you are Mr Knowitall in front of two teams of powerful brains

[Bazile]

//..but not sufficiently academic for this show, sadly..//

What's suitably academic in this instance ?

[Hazlinny]

TV just reported - it's Amal Rajan.