Amol Rajan has replaced Jeremy Paxman as the new host of University Challenge, and fans are unanimous in their praise.
Along with a new presenter came a slight redesign of the set, with the classic question cards replaced with an automated screen.
The quiz show’s loyal audience responded well to the journalist, although many found his new workstation rather distracting.
University Challenge, which originally aired in 1962, pits two university teams against one other in a fight of knowledge.
Jeremy Paxman, who has presented the show for over three decades, announced his retirement in August.
Amol referred to his predecessor as a “giant of broadcasting,” which is amusing given that fans believed his chair was a touch too big for him.
‘Amol Rajan looks like a kid in a high chair, reading questions from a silly screen,’ said one viewer.
Another joked: ‘Someone give Amol a booster seat #UniversityChallenge.’
‘Is Amol Rajan on the deck of the USS Enterprise?’ a third asked while someone else said: ‘Is the set incredibly big or is Amol incredibly small?’
Most people believed the new setup distracted them from Amol by hiding him behind a giant screen rather than the unobtrusive cards.
Viewers pointed out that the new host had nothing to do with his hands because there were no cards.
This resulted in him fidgeting with a pen and appearing little uneasy in his position.
Many people congratulated Amol on his effortless transition into the character, noting that he could require some time to settle in and that the set was not his fault.
So, is Amol small or is the set just huge! #UniversityChallenge
— Finley Porter (@FinleyPort74967) July 17, 2023
Why does Amol Rajan look like a child trying to sit at the big table? #UniversityChallenge
— Kevin Ibbotson-Wight (@weaklemondrink) July 17, 2023
Bravo to both you and @amolrajan for the speed.
But the director needs to raise Amol's chair. Not doing him any favours.— esp (@opento) July 17, 2023
When he took over the role, Amol shared he called Jeremy for advice and was told: ‘Make the show second nature for you.’
Jeremy, 73, stepped down due to his Parkinson’s and at the time 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.
‘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.’
Source My Celebrity Life.
