Watching Jeremy Paxman quiz some of the smartest brains in Britain has become a regular routine for many of us quiz fans. But after 28 years of hosting University Challenge, Jeremy Paxman has made the difficult decision to step away from his presenting role following his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
Jeremy has famously presented the notoriously tough teatime quiz show since 1994, but he will be filming his final series this autumn with the episodes being aired summer 2023.
The news of his Parkinson's diagnosis comes after other famous faces have also revealed they too are battling the disease. Billy Connolly has been very open about his battle with Parkinson's as has The Chase's Paul Sinha who tweeted "I will fight this with every breath I have," shortly after his Parkinson's diagnosis.
Jeremy Paxman's Parkinson's diagnosis
Jeremy, aged 72, made the very sad announcement last year (2021) that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. If you're not already familiar with Parkinson's it's a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The symptoms tend to come on gradually, worsening over time and eventually impacting the ability to talk and walk.
At the time of the announcement, Jeremy said that he planned to “continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they’ll have me”. However, despite this intent, the time has come for him to take a step down. Speaking about the tough decision, 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.”
Here's a lovely tweet from Richard Osman who is a big fan of the show.
Although he's stepping away from presenting duties, he will be back on our screens soon as he is currently working on an ITV documentary about his illness where viewers can get an insight into life with Parkinson's disease and learn more about developments in treatments from experts and scientists.
In addition to this, Jeremy has also pledged to donate his brain to research following his death for research into Parkinson's disease.
Paxman: Putting Up with Parkinson's
In the one of documentary, the journalist learns more about his condition and how it impacts the lives of those living with Parkinson's.
In the show, he visits Sharon Osbourne, whose husband Ozzy Osbourne also has Parkinson's. Although she admits that every time she looks at him her "heart breaks for him" she does love that they get to spend "so much more [time] together" now.
The documentary also sees Paxman share how frustrating he finds Parkinson's at times. Admitting "I'm beaten and dejected."
Jeremy Paxman's TV career
Although University Challenge is his longest presenting role, Jeremy has always been a regular on our screens. He first became a household name as a journalist and presenter from his reporting from Northern Ireland during the Troubles and his 25-years of hosting Newsnight.
Whether he was interviewing politicians and grilling students on University Challenge, his no nonsense approach made him popular amongst audiences. He regularly continues to attract over two million viewers each Monday night on University Challenge – a real achievement in times where TV viewers are declining.
Kate Phillips, the BBC's director of unscripted, said Paxman was "without doubt one of the world's finest, and most formidable quizmasters" and had been "at the front and centre of the show's success".
"We are hugely grateful to Jeremy for his dedication to the programme for an incredible 28 years, he will be much missed by us all and the show's millions of viewers."
A documentary to mark 60 years of University Challenge will be broadcast on August 29, 2022.
The future of University Challenge
There's no denying that Jeremy is leaving some rather large shoes to fill, but the BBC have already confirmed that Amol Rajan will take over as the host of University Challenge.
You may recognise the journalist and broadcaster as one of the hosts of Radio 4's Today programme. Speaking about his new presenting role, he said: "Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory."