Miles Jupp is the new host of The News Quiz
Miles Jupp has been announced as the new regular host of The News Quiz.
He will take over at the start of the next series of the topical comedy show - the 88th series - which due to be recorded this autumn. His appointment follows the departure of long-term host Sandi Toksvig who, having helmed over 200 episodes, announced she was leaving to help set up a new political party named the Women's Equality Party.
Jupp will be the 5th regular presenter of The News Quiz since it launched in 1977. Barry Norman, Barry Took and Simon Hoggart presented the earlier series of the format.
Miles Jupp is already well-known to radio comedy fans, having appeared in many of its panel shows, including various guest spots on The News Quiz since 2009. He is also used to hosting topical comedy shows and panel shows, having fronted Newsjack and It's Not What You Know. The latter starts its 3rd series tomorrow (Tuesday 30th June).
Miles Jupp says: "It is a massive honour to follow in the footsteps of Barrys Norman and Took, of Simon Hoggart and the delectable Sandi Toksvig and be asked to take on this role. Sandi has been remarkable in her time in charge of The News Quiz and her legacy will live on forever amongst listeners.
"Following her departure my first job will be to lead the regulars and listeners through as many of the stages of grief as are ultimately deemed necessary (by a completely independent arbiter). Then it will simply be a matter of dumbing it down and sexing it up. Or vice versa, depending entirely on the circumstances."
Sandi Toksvig comments: "I couldn't be more delighted that Miles Jupp is taking over as host of The News Quiz. He is perfect - affable, funny and charming. I look forward to going from host to fan."
The news of Jupp's appointment was announced at a launch of Radio 4's new season of programming. Also formally announced was Lucy Beaumont's new sitcom To Hull And Back; Shush!, a library-based sitcom from Rebecca Front and Morwenna Banks; a sitcom from Susan Calman called Sisters; a four part programme from Robert Newman called Robert Newman's Entirely Accurate Encyclopaedia Of Evolution; and John Finnemore's new show The John Finnemore Project.
Gwyneth Williams, the Controller of Radio 4, says: "I am excited by the line-up of ambitious programmes and amazing talent that will be on Radio 4 this autumn. I want especially to welcome the gifted young comedian and actor - already a Radio 4 favourite - Miles Jupp, as our new presenter of The News Quiz. We will miss the fabulous Sandi Toksvig but I know that her legacy will be safe with Miles."
The News Quiz will return on Friday 18th September 2015.