University Challenge’s Amol Rajan breaks silence on fan backlash after string of complaints about first episode
UNIVERSITY Challenge presenter Amol Rajan has broken his silence on the backlash to the new series.
He replaced Jeremy Paxman after he spent 29 years at the helm of the long-running quiz show.
Amol, 40, took to the airwaves to host University Challenge for the first time on Monday night (17 July).
However, fans made their feelings known as the “new era” of the iconic game show got underway.
The BBC broadcaster was then inundated with comments from viewers, before he spoke out for the first time.
He tweeted: “Wow. Or even: Wow, wow, wow.
“Thank you so much for all the generous and thoughtful feedback on the new era of #UniversityChallenge – and also the constructive criticism, which of course we’ll take very seriously, and consider in depth (indeed, we already are doing). “
He added: “Forward!”
However, some viewers appreciated his honesty as they praised the star for the new feel of the programme.
One fan commented: “I thought it was great. You were empathetic while bringing gravitas.”
A second viewer wrote: “Enjoyed it – was apprehensive after a lifetime of watching Paxman own it!”,
“Just caught up with it, thought you were great. I liked the fact that you gave a bit of praise,” stated a third.
Whilst a fourth fan said: Loved the new look. And your obvious appreciation and enjoyment of their knowledge. Very encouraging I’d think.
And a fifth added: “Must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. You could hardly have asked for a more dramatic debut! A very strong start to the series; keep up the fine work.”
When Amol initially made his University Challenge debut, he 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.”