AMOL Rajan has been announced as the new host of University Challenge after Jeremy Paxman quit.
Earlier this week, Jeremy confirmed he would be leaving the BBC Two programme after 28 years.
Today, the BBC confirmed that journalist and broadcaster Amol, 39, will be his replacement.
Amol said in a statement: "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.
"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."
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He continued: "I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber (Gascoigne) and that giant of British culture, Jeremy, I have vast shoes to fill.
"With his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever.
"I won't stop thinking today about my late, beloved Dad, whose devotion to education brought him to England, whose love of knowledge I imbibed as a kid, and whose belief in the noble challenge of university so shaped my life.
"I'll devote my first Starter for 10 to him – and to the millions of quiz fiends who, like me, love those rare occasions when they know the answer before the students do."
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Amol will take over hosting duties in 2023, after it was revealed Jeremy, 72, will film his final shows later this year.
Jeremy said of his departure: “I’ve had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years.
"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.”
Talented writer Amol worked in a number of different roles at The Independent newspaper – from sports correspondent to editor.
He has also been a columnist for the Evening Standard and is known for his work as a restaurant critic, which he carried out on behalf of the Independent on Sunday.
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Currently Rajan is the BBC's media editor and is part of the Radio 4 Today programme presenting team.
Earlier this year, it was revealed Amol had received the highest pay increase – up by £115,000 – in the BBC's Annual Report,where it is forced to reveal the salaries of all on-air talent earning more than £150,000.
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