University challenge

Beg pardon, Jacky B ,just read yours

Sorry about decline in Paxman's health. Did Bamber Gascoigne(?) present it at one time?

sandy toksvig

As for talking fast, have a look on YouTube at some of the old programmes with Bamber Gascoigne. Machine-gun fire comes to mind, compared with nowadays. But the questions were easier then. Scores were double and treble what they are now.

I'm glad Paxman is giving it up. His brain was all there but it was painful how he was slurring his speech and slowing down. He wouldn't be doing himself a favour by continuing for another season.

I like the idea of Seagull or Monkman. There have been a few standout contestants since but those two have gained some media savvy since and - particularly Seagull - have charisma.

There was also a girl who blew everyone's mind a few years back - Gayle Trimble. Remember her? She turned up later as a contestant on Only Connect, having had a bit of a makeover and with more confidence.

I would also agree with Semira Ahmed as it really is time for a woman to take over.

Please not Clive Myrie. He has such trouble pronouncing foreign words. I sometimes can't even understand the question on Mastermind when he pronounces it wrong.

grannydarkhair

According to The Telegraph at 20:47, Amol Rajan is the front runner. However, the comments don’t back this up.

No, he speaks far too fast and gabbles, swallowing his words. I can barely follow what he's saying and whenever he's on I shout at the screen "slow down, will you!"

Thank you for the names, I think either Mr. Monkman or Mr.Seagull would be good, they have both gone on to be presenters along with their experience of being a Contestant on UC.

IMO UC doesn’t need a famous name to carry it.

AGAA4

Richard Osman?

Hope not. Don't know why, but I find him irritating and somehow makes me uneasy.

I know you didn’t but others have!

I didn't say Paxman put anyone down Lucca, he is a very intelligent man with a sense of occasion and I rather liked him.
And I don't think you are too grumpy today!
They will need someone fairly youngish who can give a few decades worth. Too much chop and change wouldn't be good.

Paxman was great. He didn’t put them down,it was very tongue in cheek, they all say he was lovely, Victoria is too jokey. Alexander Armstrong is a singer and comedian, who hosts a terminally boring quiz show with up himself Osman.

Gosh I’m in a grump today?

Esmay

I loathed Paxo .

I wonder if Alexander Armstrong or
Victoria Coren Mitchell could host it .

Yes, I think Victoria Coren Mitchell would be an excellent host (although I don’t like her) She is a very clever woman but doesn’t she know it. DH thinks she’s lovely.

I agree Lucca, not someone who makes it all about themselves as so many presenters do these days. It doesn't necessarily mean someone stuffy in a grey suit (Michael Portillo is colourful!), but someone in control and who doesn't put the contestants down.

I think it needs a newsreader /serious documentary maker type of person, not a tv personality or quiz show host , nor someone who’s everywhere already like Clare Balding. If it’s Osman I won’t watch anymore

I think the one you really mean is Bobby Seagull.

Monkman

How about the young lad who was in the winning team the other year, he has a TV show about maths for children.

I am wracking my brains to try and find his name something ending in man I think?

If Alexander Armstrong wanted to be considered he would be in with a shout. He studied English at Cambridge so can put that on his CV.

Can’t comedians be intellectually able? Not all are clowns - some comedy requires a lot of intelligence and wit.

What about Tim Minchin?

All suggestions to date, bar Dan Snow make me shudder at the thought, Stephen Fry and Richard Osman in particular.

Any one replacing Paxman, and before him Gascoigne have to, at least, give the impression that they can match the intellectual level and knowledge base of the contestants, better still actually be their equals. A comedian in their place would be particularly wrong.

Another vote for Eddie Mair or Xander Armstrong but what about Jean Johansson or Fi Glover?

What is happening to world click to see the news 7r6.com/Gg2pYu

Way past time- maybe someone a trifle less condescending next time ? I used to like Bamber.

According to The Telegraph at 20:47, Amol Rajan is the front runner. However, the comments don’t back this up.

I'm another who thinks that Jo Brand would be good.

Naga Munchetty?

Susie Dent?