The Indian-born writer has an extensive resume across newspapers, radio and television, and even competed on the Christmas series himself several years back.
Amol said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music and inspirational contestants.”
The Indian-born writer has an extensive resume across newspapers, radio and television, and even competed on the Christmas series himself several years back.
Amol said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music and inspirational contestants.”
The 40-year-old, best known for the BBC documentary The Princes and the Press, went on to say, “It’s the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.”
It was confirmed last August that Amol would be taking over the show, after Jeremy quit. “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years,” the former host penned. “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.”
Jeremy announced his departure from the programme after it was revealed that he’s been battling health struggles for the past few years. The 73-year-old was diagnosed with ‘silent killer’ Parkinson’s disease in May 2021 and made the decision to leave University Challenge one year later.
In a statement to PA, he said: “I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.” The veteran broadcaster filmed his final episode for the show last August.
Amol’s tenure as quizmaster follows his resignation as the BBC’s media editor after seven years. In 2006, he presented The Wright Stuff and has been on Newsnight, Question Time, The Papers, This Week, Breakfast, and The One Show.
Amol’s BBC series most recently saw him interview controversial broadcaster Piers Morgan, and he got Phillip Schofield’s first television interview since he departed from ITV. Other renowned faces he has proudly questioned include Greta Thunberg, Bill Gates, and Richard Branson.
Amol, who used to edit his undergraduate newspaper, has held a variety of positions at The Independent, including sports correspondent, food critic, and editor. He has also written a column for the Evening Standard and will join the presenting crew of Radio 4 Today in 2021.
Amol is married to Dr Charlotte Faircloth, an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Science at the Institute of Education at University College London. The pair married in Cambridge in September 2013 and have two children together, Winston and Jamaica.
