Clive Myrie, best known for presenting the BBC’s News at Ten, has been unveiled as the new host of Mastermind.

The journalist will become the fifth host of the long-running BBC quiz show and will replace John Humphrys after his 18-year stint fronting the programme.

The show, which is famed for its daunting black chair, will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, with Magnus Magnusson, Peter Snow and Clive Anderson all previously asking the questions.

Myrie is due to start filming the new series in Belfast in July, with the programme hitting screens later in the year.

Humphrys’ last episode will go out in April.

After his appointment was revealed, Myrie said: “What a privilege it is to take on this new role.

“Mastermind with Magnus Magnusson formed the backdrop to my youth, and now to be at the helm is a dream come true.

“I’m excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Not only has Myrie been a mainstay on the BBC’s News at Six and Ten since 2010, he has also acted as the corporation’s correspondent in places like Paris, Brussels and Washington DC.

Kate Phillips, BBC director of entertainment, said: “Clive will be a superb host – witty, wise and with a wicked sense of humour, he’s a consummate interrogator who also understands the fear involved when facing a barrage of questions in the spotlight.”

Humphrys announced he was leaving the show in a Daily Mail column in February.

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In a nod to the show’s catchphrase, he said: “I started 18 years ago – a very long time in the ephemeral world of showbiz.

“Now, after more than 750 shows, it really is time to finish.”

He stood down as a host of Radio 4’s Today programme in September 2019 after more than 30 years in the job.

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