In conversation
University Challenge’s new quizmaster Amol Rajan opens up about landing the job of a lifetime, his love of family and making the most of every moment
‘Why are you talking to me? I’m an overweight, balding, penguinshaped amateur!’ ‘Why ‘Why laughs Amol Rajan when we meet. Over the past two decades, the 40-year-old has transitioned from newspaper editor to broadcaster and host of his own BBC Two series, Amol Rajan Interviews – and he’s become far more accustomed to asking the questions than answering them. Modesty aside, at 29, Amol became the youngest editor of a British broadsheet – and the first from an ethnic minority in more than a century – when he took the top job at The Independent. He is now one of the BBC’s most prolific personalities, having appeared on TV programmes including The One Show and Radio 4’s Today, Rethink and Start The Week. But it’s his latest role, as the third-ever host and quizmaster of BBC Two’s University Challenge, that has underlined his phenomenal rise.
TOP JOB
Amol has taken over the role that Jeremy Paxman held for 29 years and, before him, Bamber Gascoigne – and he’s still pinching himself at the privilege. ‘I’m acutely conscious that very, very few people in the history of the world get to do their dream job,’ he says. ‘When you actually get to do it, and get paid for it, it is genuinely humbling. And to do it with the most amazing team – the cleverest and nicest people in Britain who have made me feel so welcome – is just an exhilarating experience.’
He adds with a smile, ‘When you’re sat in front of the questions, and you can see the answers, while the people looking at you would do anything to know what the card says, it’s probably the closest to God any human can get! You just feel this omnipotence.’
The fact that only two people have held the post before him – both male figures he has long looked up to – means a great deal. To be following in their footsteps is a path he doesn’t tread lightly, particularly given the circumstances. Amol was announced as Paxman’s heir last year, shortly after the quiz host stepped down following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease.
‘I had a wonderful conversation with Jeremy. I was nervous about it for a few reasons. It’s a big thing to be taking over from someone, but also, because of his Parkinson’s, I was very keen not to seem rude or insensitive in some way. So, I made the decision to call him and try to deliver two messages. Firstly, thank him for handing over the show in such fantastic condition; and secondly, tell him I’d try not to screw it up. He got both messages crystal clear and was incredibly warm. He said some things that I’ll keep private, which I’ll always
