Broadcaster Clive Myrie new host of Mastermind
BROADCASTER Clive Myrie has been announced as the new host of Mastermind.
He replaces John Humphrys who is stepping down after 18 years in the role.
Myrie will be the fifth host of the long-running BBC quiz show, which marks its 50th anniversary next year.
He began his journalistic career at Radio Bristol in 1988 and then went on to report on Points West.
Mastermind started in 1972 and has since featured four presenters – Magnus Magnusson, Peter Snow, Clive Anderson and veteran journalist Humphrys.
Myrie will begin filming the new series in Belfast in July and the show will return to screens later this year.
Humphrys’ last episodes will be broadcast in April.
A regular presenter of BBC News At Six and Ten since 2010, Myrie has previously worked as the broadcaster’s correspondent in Asia, Africa, Washington, Paris and Brussels.
He said: “What a privilege it is to take on this new role. Mastermind with Magnus Magnusson formed the backdrop to my youth, and now to be at the helm is a dream come true. I’m excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.”
He has also appeared as a guest on hit BBC shows including Have I Got News For You and Would I Lie To You? and earlier this year won the RTS Award for TV journalist of the year.
Kate Phillips, BBC director of entertainment, said: “Clive will be a superb host – witty, wise and with a wicked sense of humour. He’s a consummate interrogator who also understands the fear involved when facing a barrage of questions in the spotlight.”
Jimmy Mulville, of Hat Trick Productions, and David Young, of Hindsight Productions, said: “Clive was always at the top of our list to step into the host’s shoes and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he is going to lead us into a new era of this iconic show.”
Woman’s Hour host Emma Barnett was among those sending their congratulations.
She wrote on Twitter: “Huge congrats matey – thrilled for you.”
Humphrys announced his departure in February in a column for the Daily Mail.
In a nod to the long-running quiz show’s catchphrase, he wrote: “I started 18 years ago – a very long time in the ephemeral world of showbiz.
“Now, after more than 750 shows, it really is time to finish.”