Broadcaster Jeremy Paxman has revealed he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The University Challenge host, 71, said he has been receiving “excellent treatment” and his symptoms are “currently mild”.

He said in a statement: “I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.

“I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they’ll have me.”

Paxman has hosted University Challenge since 1994, making him the longest serving current quizmaster on UK television.

He is also well known for being a tough-talking presenter on the BBC’s Newsnight – a show which he worked on from 1989 to 2014.

During that time, he interviewed many high-profile figures from politics and culture.

As he bowed out of Newsnight after 25 years in the role, Paxman did an interview with then London mayor Boris Johnson, while they both rode a tandem bicycle.

He also interviewed party leaders on Sky News and Channel 4 during the 2015 and 2017 general election campaigns, grilling politicians including Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.

Paxman, who was born in Leeds, started his career in 1972 on the BBC’s graduate trainee programme, working in local radio and reporting on the Troubles in Belfast.

Soon after moving to London in 1977, he worked on Panorama, before stints on the Six O’Clock News and BBC One’s Breakfast Time.

Related posts:

Paltrow’s long COVID ‘healing’ methods criticised by NHS medical director Backstage With… the Golden Globe nominee who prayed to get out of Billie Holiday role Golden Globe wins for The Crown and British stars – as Chadwick Boseman honoured posthumously Jess Glynne ‘wholeheartedly sorry’ over ‘unacceptable’ transphobic slur in interview Eddie Murphy ‘very moved’ by Hall of Fame honour at NAACP Image Awards R Kelly accuser tells court singer recorded sexual encounters and made her dress up Disabled workers in UK television industry facing barriers to career progression – report Fans get first look at Never Mind The Buzzcocks reboot on Sky The weekend they’ve been waiting for: Vaccine tents join line up as 170,000 descend on festivals Netflix acquires Roald Dahl’s company to bring new films and shows to streaming service ‘That’s hot’: Nicole Richie’s hair catches fire as she blows out candles during 40th birthday party Elon Musk and Grimes split up after three years together but ‘remain on great terms’