Amol Rajan’s University Challenge disaster

Congratulations to Amol Rajan, who adds the mantle of University Challenge host to his burgeoning portfolio of BBC jobs. Rajan will succeed Jeremy Paxman in the role when the latter steps down this autumn after 28 years hosting the show. On current trends, Mr S estimates the former Independent editor will have held every top job in the British media by the year 2024…

Already there have been fears as to how well the new appointee can fill Paxo’s formidable shoes though. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s director of unscripted insisted that ‘If future student contestants think they’ll get an easier ride with Amol taking over, they can think again.’ We shall see. While Steerpike adds his voice to the chorus of congratulation for Rajan, it’s worth noting that his own appearance on the show in December 2020 was less than entirely successful.

The Cambridge graduate captained that year’s Downing College team and managed to lose by 65 points to 90 to a Durham team boasting comedian Ed Gamble.