University Challenge viewers all say the same thing as Jeremy Paxman kicks off last ever series | The Sun
UNIVERSITY Challenge viewers have all said the same thing as Jeremy Paxman kicked off his last ever series.
Earlier this month, Jeremy, 72, announced the new series would be his last, after 28 years as host.
He will be replaced by journalist Amol Rajan next year, but for now University Challenge will get to enjoy Jeremy's no-nonsense approach to questioning one more time.
The first episode saw teams from Bristol and Durham universities take part, hoping to make it all the way to the final, which won't air until next year.
Viewers were glad to have Jeremy on their screens for so long, with one tweeting: "37 weeks is a long lap of honour but Jeremy Paxman has earned it. He’s been a brilliant host (for TWENTY NINE YEARS) of University Challenge. Big shoes to fill."
Another added: "I remember vividly going to watch a recording of University Challenge in Manchester while at University in 1994 when Jezza Paxman was quite a new presenter. We are now both considerably older."
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A third wrote: "Oh it’s going to be so sad to hear Paxo’s name for the last time at the end of this series."
While Bristol lead the way during the episode, Durham fought back and managed to sneak in front just in time and win.
Jeremy joked: "You do like to live dangerously."
Announcing his departure earlier this month, Jeremy said: "I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.
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"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.”
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Unscripted, added: “Since the BBC revived University Challenge in 1994 Jeremy has been at the front and centre of the show’s success and is without doubt one of the world’s finest, and most formidable quizmasters.
"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.”
University Challenge airs Mondays at 8.30pm on BBC Two.
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