University Challenge viewers slam huge format shake-up as iconic BBC show returns with new host
UNIVERSITY Challenge fans have been making their feelings known as a “new era” of the iconic game show got underway.
The well-loved BBC series returned to television screens on Monday night and viewers were greeted with a revamped set and brand new host.
Amol Rajan is the new quizmaster of University Challenge following the departure of Jeremy Paxman earlier this year.
Making his University Challenge debut, Amol told viewers: “Welcome to a new series and a new era of University Challenge.
“A few things have changed since the end of the last series but all the important things remain the same.
“The format is still simple, the questions are still complicated and the teams are still terrifyingly knowledgeable.”
But as the game kicked off between Trinity College Cambridge and Manchester University, fans suddenly noticed a huge format change.
And they were not happy with what they saw.
Amol turned towards a big grey box hiding a computer before reading out the questions from the screen.
At points, he then twiddled with his pen and fidgeted with his hands.
University Challenge first aired in 1962 and both original host Bamber Gascoigne and Jeremy would read the questions from a stack of cards.
They would then be cast aside across the desk before the next question card was picked up.
Sharing their feelings on Twitter, one disgruntled quiz fan wrote: “Loving Amol Rajan as the new presenter, reading the questions off a screen has got to go though – the cards were a more televisual prop!”
Another agreed: “Finding this difficult to watch. Awful set. No question cards. Quizmaster reading from screen at high speed while wringing his hands.”
A third said: “Where are the question cards? I loved to see them skimming across the desk once answered.”
And a fourth added: “Just because we HAVE the technology…. should we use it? Bring back the question cards!”
Someone else even chimed in: “What happened to the question cards? Far too much change!”
Bamber Gascoigne presented University Challenge from 1962 to 1987.
The show then took a hiatus, before it returned in 1994 with Jeremy Paxman hosting.
Over the years, there have been several guest presenters, but Jeremy was the main quizmaster until earlier this year.
Two months ago, Jeremy signed off for the final time.
The legendary broadcaster confirmed he would be stepping down due to his ailing health after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease a few years ago.
He 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.”