First show in September

Miles Jupp is to be the new host of Radio 4’s News Quiz, the BBC has announced.

The comedian will take over from Sandi Toksvig – whose last show aired on Friday – from September 17.

Jupp, who first appeared as a panellist on the show in 2009, said: ‘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 among 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.’

Jupp previously hosted Newsjack on Radio 4 Extra and has been a regular guest on Have I Got News For You; though he may be better known for his acting roles in Rev, The Thick Of It, and Balamory, where he played Archie the Inventor.

Toksvig said: ‘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.’

She has stepped down after nine years and 28 series to go into politics with the Women's Equality Party.

The News Quiz was first broadcast in 1977 and has just completed its 87th series.

Published: 30 Jun 2015