The BBC has revealed a first look at the next series of University Challenge, which will be the first with Amol Rajan as host.
The current series, which has just weeks left to run, is the final one with Jeremy Paxman in charge after the veteran host decided to step down following his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Filming has already begun on the 2023-24 series, however, which will not only feature a new host but also a new set and a new title sequence.
© BBC
"I have spent years re-arranging Monday nights around the need to be in front of my television at 20.30," said Rajan. "University Challenge really is my favourite programme. And from their feedback and sheer numbers, our treasured audience has made very clear I am far from alone.
"Perhaps that's no surprise given this is Britain's longest running TV quiz, in a nation of quiz lovers. While there is a new a set and presenter, everything else remains: the perfect title music; the peerless voice of Roger Tilling; the fiendish questions; and above all the remarkable students, some of whom come this year from universities competing for the first time.
"What we've seen so far includes moments of huge tension, flashes of genius, and brilliant starters and bonuses that will have viewers joining in and shouting at their screens."
© BBC
Pinki Chambers, the BBC's commissioning editor for entertainment, added: "The competition is fierce, the questions are harder and Amol has taken to the programme in an instant. This is going to be one of our best series yet."
The new series of University Challenge starts on BBC Two this summer.
Neil Wilkes
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