Veteran broadcaster Jeremy Paxman has been a well known face on TV for decades.

Last night he signed off University Challenge for the last time, saying he is looking “forward to watching it” along with fans at home.

The 73-year-old veteran broadcaster and former Newsnight presenter has hosted the series since the BBC revived it in 1994 until Monday’s episode.

Mr Paxman formerly lived in a magnificent house in Stonor, near Henley, with his ex-partner Elizabeth Clough, a television producer.

He reportedly enjoyed fishing in nearby Hambleden weir. 

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The couple, who did not marry, have three children and amicably separated in 2016 after 35 years.

In 2021 he lent his voice to a live tree trail at Cheney School in Oxford, imitating trees as part of a virtual event.

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Mr Paxman imagined himself as a hawthorn, Stephen Fry became a yew tree and Oxford MP Anneliese Dodds impersonated a cherry tree.

In October 2022 the news presenter opened up about his on-going battle with Parkinson's Disease.

The BBC confirmed in August last year that he was stepping down as University Challenge host.

He will be replaced by journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan, who is the third host of the programme in its 61-year history.

The show was first launched by Bamber Gascoigne in 1962.

Opening his final episode, Mr Paxman told the two teams: “Well you’re all old hands at this now, so just get on with it.”

In the final episode, Durham University became the 2022-2023 University Challenge champions.

Wild Swans: Three Daughters Of China author Jung Chang handed over a stainless steel book award to the winners.

Signing off, Mr Paxman 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.

“University Challenge returns later in the year and I look forward to watching it with you. So it’s good night for me. Good night.”

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