Entertainment
Who is Amol Rajan as he becomes the new host of University Challenge?-Rebecca Sayce-Entertainment – Metro
University Challenge will have a new face behind the famous desk.
Amol is the new face of University Challenge (Picture: John Phillips/Getty for Advertising Week)
Following the departure of long-standing host Jeremy Paxman, University Challenge will now be hosted by journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan.
Jeremy confirmed he would be stepping down from the role earlier this week after nearly three decades at the helm.
The 72-year-old author, journalist, and broadcaster was flooded with tributes following the news from the likes of Richard Osman, Bobby Seagull, and more.
Newswatch presenter Samira Ahmed threw her hat in the ring to be considered to take over the position, saying she believed she was the right person for the job.
But just who is new presenter Amol?
Here’s what you need to know ahead of his debut.
Who is Amol Rajan and how old is he?
Amol Rajan is a 39-year-old journalist and broadcaster.
Amol is a journalist (Picture: John Phillips/Getty Images for Advertising Week)
Originally from Calcutta, India, he moved to London when he was three years old and was raised in Tooting in South West London.
Amol attended the Graveney School in Furzedown before reading English at Downing College, Cambridge.
When he was 18, Amol worked in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) during his gap year.
His career in journalism and broadcasting began in 2005 on The Wright Stuff as a secondary presenter and researcher.
He joined The Independent newspaper in 2007, where he worked a number of roles, including News Reporter, Sports Correspondent, Columnist, Comment Editor, and Editor of Independent Voices.
In 2013, aged 29, Amol became the first non-white editor of a national newspaper in more than 100 years when he became the editor of The Independent.
Amol worked a number of positions at The Independent, including editor, before leaving in 2016 (Picture: WireImage)
In 2016 Amol left The Independent as he became BBC’s first Media Editor.
In the world of radio, Amol has presented The Big Debate on the BBC Asian Network as well as provided cover on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4.
In 2021 he joined the presenting team of the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.
Amol has also appeared on TV previously as he has occasionally hosted The One Show
What has Amol Rajan said about hosting University Challenge?
Amol described the opportunity to host University Challenge as ‘dream come true territory’.
‘I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants’, he said.
Jeremy Paxman has been behind the University Challenge desk for 28 years (Picture: BBC)
‘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.
He went on to share that he was ‘conscious’ of following in the footsteps of the late great Bamber Gascoigne, who died earlier this year, and Jeremy, who fronted the programme for 28 years.
Amol will step down from his role as the BBC’s media editor when he takes over the role, but will remain in place as the host of Radio 4’s Today Programme.
He also praised Jeremy saying he will have vast shoes to fill, and that he will dedicate his first Starter for 10 to the former presenter.
Amol will start filming early next year and be seen on screen from autumn 2023 onwards.
MORE : Amol Rajan announced as new host of University Challenge after Jeremy Paxman’s exit
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