Jeremy Paxman

Presenter was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease last year and has hosted the show for 28 years.

He will be much missed by us all and the show’s millions of viewers.” The programme’s makers say he will meet scientific experts and try potential therapies – such as a dance class organised by the English National Ballet, and playing lawn bowls. At the time of the announcement, he said he planned to “continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they’ll have me”.

Jeremy Paxman is stepping down from his role as host of University Challenge after 28 years, the BBC has announced: 'I've had a blast.'

In a statement, he said: ‘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. MORE : Question Time’s Fiona Bruce and Richard Osman favourites to replace Jeremy Paxman on University Challenge after he quits MORE : Richard Osman and Bobby Seagull lead tributes to ‘brilliant’ Jeremy Paxman as he quits University Challenge after 28 years ‘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.’ In a statement, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Director of Unscripted, said: ‘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.

The former Newsnight presenter will film his last episode this fall and his final series will air from August to next Summer. A new presenter will be announced ...

“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,” she added. Paxman led a revived BBC Two Newsnight, which is based on U.S. format College Bowl, from 1994 after the ITV Studios-produced show was axed by ITV in 1987 following a 25-year run helmed by Bamber Gascoigne. He developed a reputation over the decades for his no-nonsense approach to questioning some of the country’s brightest students, and the way in which he comically hurries the contestants into an answer. Paxman said he’d “had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years” and had “been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and meet some of the ‘swottier’ brains in the country.”

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.” Meanwhile, Kate Phillips, the director of unscripted content at the BBC, said: “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. Jeremy Paxman has announced he’s stepping down as host of University Challenge after almost three decades at the helm of the BBC quiz show.

After 28 years, Jeremy Paxman is stepping down as University Challenge host – here's the bookies favourites on who will replace him.

- Kirsty Wark: 12/1 - Richard Ayoade: 9/1 - Mishal Husain: 8/1 - Victoria Derbyshire: 8/1 - Richard Osman: 3/1 It gives me hope for the future.”