Who’s in the running to replace Jeremy Paxman as host of University Challenge?

Jeremy Paxman has announced he is stepping down as host of University Challenge after 28 years.

The BBC said the new presenter of the programme, which pits students in teams of four against rival universities and colleges, will be announced later this week.

Here is a look at the runners and riders who could replace him in the presenter’s chair and become the third host of the show, following the late Bamber Gascoigne and Paxman.

Sandi Toksvig

The 64-year-old Danish-born broadcaster and comedian is the frontrunner to step into Paxman’s shoes.

Toksvig has ample experience hosting quiz shows after fronting QI since 2016 and became a fan favourite hosting the Great British Bake Off alongside Noel Fielding.

Richard Osman

In April, Osman, who is he brother of Suede bassist Matt Osman, announced he was leaving BBC One game show Pointless after nearly 13 years to spend more time writing novels, but his departure also puts him in line to succeed Paxman.

Responding to news of Paxman’s departure, the 51-year-old tweeted: “Two hosts in 50 years. Both of them brilliant. One of my greatest claims to fame is that I introduced Jeremy Paxman to Nando’s.”

Samira Ahmed

BBC journalist and broadcaster Ahmed has worked across Radio 4’s PM, The World Tonight and Front Row but fronting University Challenge would be her most high-profile role yet.

The 54-year-old revealed on Twitter that she had approached the programme “months ago” and been drafted in as its “stand-by presenter”.

Samira Ahmed. Picture: PA

Ahmed added: “I’ve loved working with the fab team who seem to love me & just narrated a UC documentary that’s going out on BBC2. And I’ve loved helping set a few questions for this series too.

“But no one from the BBC has spoken to me yet about taking over. I’ve always been happy to go through an honest fair process and be judged on my merits. I still am.”

Author Sir Philip Pullman threw his support behind her, tweeting: “Excellent idea. I’m all for it.”

Warwick Davis

The actor, best known for roles in the Star Wars and Harry Potter film series may be in the running to take over.

The 52-year-old has previous experience in the hosting chair, having presented ITV game shows Celebrity Squares and Tenable as well as appearing as a guest host on Have I Got News For You.

Richard Ayoade

The IT Crowd star, comedian and presenter Ayoade (45) has proved to be a popular choice as host of the Bafta TV Awards since 2020 and also fronted the revived Crystal Maze series on Channel 4.

Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth during The Oldie Luncheon, in celebration of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall’s 75th Birthday at National Liberal Club on July 12, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The 74-year-old broadcaster, writer and former politician has also been mentioned as a possible new UC presenter.

Fiona Bruce

Bruce is another favourite for the University Challenge chair, according to some.

The 58-year-old journalist joined the BBC as a researcher on Panorama in 1989 and over the next 14 years became a newsreader on the BBC’s flagship News At Ten.

She currently presents Question Time and Antiques Roadshow so may struggle to find time in her schedule.

Source: Press Association