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Newswatch presenter Samira Ahmed puts herself forward to replace Jeremy Paxman on University Challenge: ‘I think I’m the right person’-Stella Akinwumi-Entertainment – Metro
Jeremy Paxman is leaving the show after 28 years.
Samira is keen to present the University Challenge (Picture: PA)
Newswatch presenter Samira Ahmed has thrown her hat in the ring to replace Jeremy Paxman on University Challenge after he confirmed his exit.
The BBC announced that the beloved host, who has fronted the iconic quiz show since 1994, will film his last episode this autumn with his final series airing next summer.
‘I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years,’ Jeremy said of his impressive reign.
‘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.’
While the BBC is yet to reveal Jeremy’s replacement, journalist and University Challenge superfan Samira revealed that she would love to host the popular game show.
‘I think you should all know: I approached University Challenge myself months ago,’ she penned.
Jeremy Paxman is quitting University Challenge after 28 years (Picture: BBC)
The 54-year-old writer expressed how much she loved working with ‘the fab team,’ and the feeling is also mutual.
‘I’ve always been happy to go through an honest fair process and be judged on my merits,’ she added.
‘The production team & I hope the BBC know exactly why I would love to present UC and why I think I’m the right person. I also got the encouragement of the lovely Bamber Gascoigne who gave me his advice some years ago on what it needed. That’s what I wanted you all to know.’
Samira’s followers certainly agreed with her plea, with one person writing: ‘Is there a petition? If not I might start one…’
‘You would be a great presenter (and it would be tremendous fun for you)! Keeping my fingers crossed for you,’ another added.
Following the announcement of Jeremy’s departure, celebrities have paid tribute to the long-serving quizmaster.
Mathematician and broadcaster Bobby Seagull wrote: ‘I’m, like many other fans, sad to see the end of the time of the great and formidable Jeremy Paxman.
Samira believes she would be the right person to host the game show (Picture: BBC)
‘He has just become an institution. For many quiz fans every Monday night we have a routine, the pinnacle of the quiz night is University Challenge, Paxman since 1994 has been the centrepiece of that.
‘Jeremy Paxman, he generally really respects the idea of a programme where young people and older students can demonstrate there knowledge, it shows value of knowledge.
‘University Challenge is the epitome of that. There are gimmicky game shows that are fun, University Challenge is all about the knowledge and that is something that is really prized in the 21st century.’
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The 72-year-old will continue to host until the summer of 2023, before he bids his final farewell.
A new presenter will then be announced this week, with favourites currently including Richard Osman, as well as Sandi Toksvig and Richard Ayoade.
University Challenge airs Monday 29 August on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
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