Who is Amol Rajan? BBC journalist says he will try to not ‘screw up’ hosting University Challenge

Amol Rajan has said he promised Jeremy Paxman he would try not to “screw up” in his new role as the quizmaster of University Challenge.

The BBC journalist was announced as the new host of the programme, after Jeremy Paxman stepped down following 28 years at the helm.

He hailed Paxman as “a giant of broadcasting” but said he would not be trying to “out savage” the former host of the BBC Two academic quiz when dealing with contestants.

Describing a phone call they had shared, he added: “I had two messages.

“One is, ‘Thank you for passing the show on in such great condition… the ratings are great, the show’s format is as solid as ever’.

“But the other thing is I’ll try not to screw it up.”

Amol Rajan is only the third presenter of the programme in 60 years, after Paxman and Bamber Gascoigne.

In a statement, Rajan said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory.”

But who is Amol Rajan, the new host of University Challenge?

Amol Rajan, 40, is a journalist who was previously the BBC’s media editor, though he has stepped down from this position to host University Challenge. He also presents Radio 4’s Today programme.

Before working at the BBC, Rajan worked as an editor at The Independent, and as a columnist at the Evening Standard. He also previously worked at the Foreign Office, during his gap year.

He published a book, Twirlymen: The Unlikely History of Cricket’s Greatest Spin Bowlers, in 2011.

Rajan has appeared on television shows like Question Time, Newsnight, The Daily Politics, Lorraine, and The Andrew Marr Show. He has also written for publications such as The Spectator, GQ, New Statesman, and Politico Europe.

Rajan was born in Calcutta, India, and his family moved to London when he was three years old. They lived in Chiswick and Hendon before settling in Tooting.

The journalist is a fan of cricket, and he played for Sinjuns in Wandsworth, eventually becoming the youngest captain of the Men’s Sunday 1st team when he was 18.

He studied English at Downing College at the University of Cambridge, where he was the editor of Varsity, the student newspaper.

When announcing his new role as host of University Challenge, Rajan said: “I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants.

“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 added: “I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber, and that giant of British culture, Jeremy, I have vast shoes to fill.

“With his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever.”

When asked about his presenting style, Rajan told The One Show: “I don’t know if I can out-savage (Paxman). I’m going to be me.

“I’ve got a rule — I’m going to do put-downs, A, if they deserve it and B, if I really knew the answer.

“I think if you like to have a scathing putdown and you’re making up that you knew the answer, people were about to be able to tell.

“But you’ve got to do it with a certain amount of affection — and these young people… are so amazing.

“They’re not from wealthy backgrounds necessarily. They’re incredibly clever and they just want to have a good time.

“So I’m trying to kind of be a friend to them, but I’m also the boss and so if they do say something embarrassing — as I have once or twice been told off myself— I will tell them off.”