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Farewell Paxo

I just wanted to acknowledge the fact that the final of University Challenge last night also featured the last appearance of Jeremy Paxman, who has been the stalwart of the programme for the last 29 years (and a great political journalist before that). He had finally become a victim of Parkinson's Disease and so could no longer continue with the programme. Thank you, Paxo, for so many years of wit and entertainment.

Colin Jordan ● 1208d8 Comments

Not a word in disagreement from me. I loved his genuine enthusiasm but, moreover, his wonderful 'astonished dismissal' of obviously wrong answers. Enjoy the rest Mr.Paxman and may that horrible illness be gentle with you.

N V Brooks ● 1208d

I don't disagree, but IMHO he has been audibly struggling to clearly articulate the questions for at least the last couple of seasons and probably went past his sell-by date. It will be interesting to see how the new man gets on.

Richard Greenhough ● 1208d

Totally agree with you Colin

Mari Austin ● 1208d

Slurred speech was one the first noticeable signs when my father developed Parkinson's. Its a ruddy horrible disease and I hope that it is more gentle on Paxo then it was on my father.

N V Brooks ● 1208d

His evisceration of Michael Howard was superb.

Stewart Jones ● 1208d

The most brilliant presenter of News Night. Nobody since has come close.

Steve Taylor ● 1208d

I was disappointed that more of a fuss was not made - he could have been presented with a gift to mark his long service to the programme, perhaps by his successor.

David Marles ● 1208d

Indeed, for some time he was absolutely brilliant. But towards the end his aggressive questioning tipped over into self-parody. He started to perform as a personality in his own right, rather than as an inquisitor.

Robert Fish ● 1208d