University Challenge host Bamber Gascoigne dies, aged 87

University Challenge host Bamber Gascoigne has died at home in London after a short illness at the age of 87, his representative has said.

Gascoigne was the original quizmaster of the ITV series during its first run between 1962 and 1987, and became known for catchphrases such as "Your starter for ten", "fingers on buzzers" and "I'll have to hurry you".

The news of his death was announced by Grange Park Opera on behalf of his family.

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In 2014 the TV star inherited 14th century Surrey estate West Horsley Place from his aunt, the Duchess of Roxburghe, where Grange Park Opera built an opera house in the woods.

Born in London, Gascoigne was educated at Eton College and Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he studied English literature.

He met his wife Christina, a potter, at Cambridge.

They married in 1965.

Gascoigne was also a novelist, TV writer and presenter.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to the Arts.

Univeristy Challenge was renewed by the BBC in 1994 with Jeremy Paxman becoming the new presenter.