Why is Jeremy Paxman leaving University Challenge and who is replacing him?

Jeremy Paxman will present University Challenge for the final time tonight (Monday May 29), ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on British TV. His final edition hosting the BBC Two show, which pits students in teams of four against rival universities and colleges, will air on at 8.30pm.

The veteran broadcaster has fronted the show since it was revived by the BBC in 1994, but announced in August that he would be leaving. During his time in the quizmasters chair, Paxman became famed for his disapproving looks and combative style, which saw him clash with a number of contestants during his 29 years at the helm.

Leeds-born Paxman has had an impressive career with the broadcaster, starting out on their graduate programme in 1972 and working in local radio. He went on to host Six O'Clock News and Breakfast Time, and fronted Newsnight for 25 years.

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In May 2021, Paxman announced he was being treated for Parkinson’s Disease but said his symptoms were “currently mild”. It was a year later that he announced he would be stepping down from University Challenge.

Parkinson's is a condition parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement and stiff, inflexible muscles, according to the NHS.

In a statement last year, he said: "I've had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years. 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."

University Challenge is due to return this summer, featuring a new batch of fiendishly difficult questions and eager students with hopes of claiming the