Jeremy Paxman is to step down as the host of University Challenge, the BBC has said.

The broadcaster, 72, has presented the programme for the past 28 years. It celebrates its 60th birthday this year and becomes the BBC’s longest-running quiz show.

Paxman will film his final episode in the autumn, with his final series airing between 29 August through to summer 2023.

His resignation comes after he revealed he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in May last year.

Paxman said of his time on the show: “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.”

His replacement will be announced later this week, the BBC said.

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Kate Phillips, the 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.”

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