Legendary BBC quiz show returning to screens next month with string of major changes

A LEGENDARY BBC quiz show is returning to screens next month – with a string of major changes.

University Challenge will welcome 28 new student teams to tackle head-scratching questions on a wide range of subjects.

Asking the questions this series will be the show’s new host Amol Rajan, who has taken over from Jeremy Paxman.

Jeremy, 73, had hosted the show 1994 to 2022 before stepping down, with Amol, 40, being confirmed as his replacement in August last year.

As well as a brand new host, the BBC Two show will also have a new set and title sequence.

But die-hard fans need not fear, as despite some big changes, the time-honoured format remains the same, as does the theme tune.

Amol is only the third person to present the main series in its 61-year history, with Bamber Gascoigne being the original host before Jeremy.

Amol said: “We’re back! I’m so excited to watch along with audiences and relive this wonderful series.

“And what a wonderful series it is, with thrilling finishes and standards as high as ever.”

The new series will come less than two months after Jeremy signed off from the show for the final time.

At the end of May, Jeremy opted for a low-key exit as he thanked viewers for watching and admitted he was looking forward to carry on seeing all the quizzing action from home.

During his simple speech, the star said: “It remains for me to thank Jung Chang for presenting the trophy, all the teams who have entertained us over the past months, and you for watching.”

He continued: “University Challenge returns later in the year and I look forward to watching it with you. So it’s goodnight for me. Goodnight.”

University Challenge returns on July 17 at 8.30pm on BBC Two.