Jeremy Paxman is retiring from University Challenge

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Sorry to hear this. I think he's done a great job for the last 28 years. Different from Bamber Gascoigne, of course, but UC has remained a huge favourite in our house. I thought he might retire soon when I heard about his Parkinson's diagnosis. The news release below seems to imply he's filming the current series and someone else will be replacing him for the next series.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-62561558

Two things then:

1. When will the current series start? It's long overdue and I'm getting twitchy. It normally gets under way in July. Not scheduled for next Monday.
2. Who will replace him? Due to be announced later this week. Speculation in the article it could be Kirsty Wark, Sandy Toksvig, Samira Ahmed, Victoria Coren-Mitchell or Richard Osman, and various others. My personal choice would be Richard Osman from that group but I think it's a lot more likely to be a woman.

He was a right grump.

We'll have no grumpism here!

I really don't want anyone from the world of comedy/entertainment. Samira Ahmed would be my favourite from the list above.

I preferred Bamber Gascoigne to Paxo in every way, but there is nobody like him on TV any more.

I rather wish he was retiring now, the last series was quite embarrassing at times; he seemed tired, short tempered and sometimes he misheard what was being said in his earpiece to the extent of wrongly penalising contestants.

I have to admit that I’d appoint Portillo, always courteous, well read himself and seem to have a genuine interest in other people and topics. I realise that this will not be a popular suggestion on MN ( aaahhh Tory!!, white, man, British etc etc etc).

I'll miss Jeremy but I do think the time has come for him to retire.

I think Sandi Toksvig would be very good. Samira Ahmed is also an excellent suggestion.

I love Jeremy but sadly Parkinson's disease/age has made it time to leave.

My views in a nutshell. Desperately sad to see someone with such a keen, incisive mind starting to struggle to speak clearly. It's a very cruel disease.

@Allthegoodnamesarechosen you're aware he has Parkinson's yes?

I’m going to miss his incredulity over some of the students’ daft answers e.g. “BEETHOVEN? You’re about 200 years out!!!”.

My bet would be Victoria Coren-Mitchell as replacement.

Yes!

It’s not going to be Victoria CM because Only Connect is on right before UC!

I feel so sorry for Paxman, Parkinson’s is a horrendous disease.

I'm throwing Naga Munchetty's name into the ring.
Bright, doesn't suffer fools, and half of MN can't stand her.

It really is. It robbed my lovely dad of his final years.

He has got Parkinson's

Oooh yes, Naga!

I can't say I'm surprised - it's a very demanding role for anyone, let alone someone in their 70s with Parkinson's. Personally I hope they choose a non-Oxbridge educated host to help freshen the format a bit.

It's the beginning of the end for University Challenge.

I can't see why that should be. 60 years since the first series (albeit there was a long hiatus at one point).

Portillo would be great

I'll also add that Victoria Coren-Mitchell is the definite choice here to take over. I've known her since student days and always felt she had potential for something like this.

Naga Munchetti however is a no from me. No natural warmth and too aggressive. (and I say that as a feisty woman)

Thanks, Jeremy for your services. We will miss you (in case you're reading)

Sad that Parkinson's Disease has probably made the decision for Jeremy Paxman, hope that the treatments available can give him as much of a quality of life as possible for a long time.

The problem with Paxman is he was pompous. I can excuse him being so condescending but I can't stand people being pompous.
I don't love the suggestions for replacements. Why is it always the same people. I like Portillo, Sandi Toksvig and Richard Ayoade but someone new would be good. Preferably not the typical BBC posh Oxbridge crowd.

I like Victoria Coren but the fact that she got famous due to her Dad and the fact she was in the Oxford crowd. I really like her but I don't like nepotism

I'd have suggested Paul SINHA but I'm not sure how his health is. He has a fabulous voice and as well as being a brilliant quizzed is extremely intelligent.

@NellyNothing I agree. Paul is great, I hope his health remains good for years yet.
Horrible disease.