How long has Jeremy Paxman presented University Challenge and who else has hosted?

‘Your starter for ten…’ famous words first uttered by University Challenge’s original quizmaster (Picture: BBC)

University Challenge returned for its 50th series on July 12 this year, proving that viewers really can’t get enough of the challenging quiz show.

Inviting two university teams to compete, the show poses tough, high-brow questions that really put the students through their paces.

These tough questions are written by a team of quiz experts, including past champions from University Challenge’s long history.

The show has become a national institution, but despite being with us for so long has only ever had two presenters – with Jeremy Paxman having been in the chair since the show moved from its original ITV home to BBC Two.

Just how long has Paxman been at the helm and who hosted before him?

How long has Jeremy Paxman hosted University Challenge?

Jeremy Paxman has presented the hit BBC Two series since 1994.

Paxman has become synonymous with the show, with his blunt deliveries a classic fixture.

Jeremy Paxman is University Challenge’s longest serving quizmaster (Picture: Getty)

Despite a recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Paxman has stated he has no intention of handing over the reins to another presenter any time soon.

He said in a statement to PA: ‘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.’

As well as being University Challenge’s longest-serving quizmaster, Paxman, 71, previously presented BBC’s Newsnight for 25 years, leaving in 2014.

He’s also written 10 books, covering subjects as varied as the British Royal Family and fishing.

Who was the first presenter of University Challenge?

Though Paxman has become a seemingly-irreplaceable fixture of University Challenge, he was not the first presenter to steer the show.

Before becoming a BBC Two staple, University Challenge aired for 913 episodes on ITV from September 1962 to December 1987.

Bamber Gascoigne was UC’s first ever quizmaster. (Picture: Getty Images)

During this time, historian and author Bamber Gascoigne acted as quizmaster.

He coined catchphrases like ‘your starter for ten.’

Gascoigne’s other TV shows have included such historical documentary series as The Christians, The Great Moghuls and Victorian Values.

He turned 86 this year, and was made a CBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

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