Next University Challenge host: Toksvig favourite to replace Paxman
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Sandi Toksvig has been installed as the favourite with Ladbrokes to be the next University Challenge host and replace Jeremy Paxman.
The entertainer is just 2/1 with the bookies to take over from Paxman, who announced he is stepping down as host on Tuesday afternoon.
Paxman is quitting after 28 years, ending his reign as the longest-serving current quizmaster on UK television.
The 72-year-old, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year, has presented the show since it was revived by the BBC in 1994.
He will film his last episode this autumn and his final series will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from Monday August 29 through to summer 2023.
Elsewhere, Richard Osman is second-favourite in the next University Challenge host odds at 3/1, with Warwick Davis just 6/1.
One of my greatest claims to fame is that I introduced Jeremy Paxman to Nando's.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) August 16, 2022
As for the rank outsiders, Piers Morgan is as likely for the gig as Gemma Collins at 100/1, with Chris Kamara unbelievably priced at 200/1.
Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “They’re big shoes to fill but the odds suggest Jeremy Paxman’s job could soon be given to Sandi Toksvig, with Richard Osman unsurprisingly among the frontrunners.
“However, it doesn’t look as though #GC4UC will take off, with the TOWIE star priced at an unlikely 100/1.”
Next University Challenge host odds
Sandi Toksvig – 2/1
Richard Osman – 3/1
Warwick Davis – 6/1
Richard Ayoade – 8/1
Gyles Brandreth – 8/1
Victoria Coren Mitchell – 10/1
David Mitchell – 14/1
Carol Vorderman – 16/1
Robert Webb – 25/1
Susie Dent – 33/1
Sue Perkins – 33/1
Jimmy Carr – 40/1
Gemma Collins – 100/1
Rylan Clark – 100/1
Piers Morgan – 100/1
Chris Kamara – 200/1
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
