Jeremy Paxman
Born 1950 · Age 75
English broadcaster, journalist and author; long-serving Newsnight presenter (1989–2014) and University Challenge quizmaster (1994–2023).
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Life & Career Timeline
Birth in Leeds
Jeremy Dickson Paxman born in Leeds, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.
Attended Malvern College
Entered Malvern College (public school education noted in biography).
Graduated St Catharine's College, Cambridge (BA) & edited Varsity
Read English at St Catharine's College, Cambridge; edited student newspaper Varsity. (BA 1972; MA 1975 is recorded elsewhere.)
Joined BBC graduate trainee programme; BBC Radio Brighton
Joined BBC as a graduate trainee and started in local radio at BBC Radio Brighton.
BBC correspondent in Northern Ireland
Based in Belfast reporting on the Troubles for the BBC (three-year posting mid-1970s, often cited 1974–1977).
Relocated to London; joined Tonight as roving reporter
Moved to London and worked as a roving reporter for the Tonight programme.
Transferred to Panorama
Joined Panorama as a reporter/filmmaker; undertook overseas reporting assignments (Beirut, Uganda, Central America).
Began long-term partnership with Elizabeth Ann Clough (1981–2016)
Entered a long-term relationship with television producer Elizabeth Clough; they lived together and had three children. The couple separated amicably in 2016 after ~35 years.
Published 'A Higher Form of Killing' (with Robert Harris)
First book (non-fiction) on chemical and biological warfare, co-authored with Robert Harris.
Became BBC Six O'Clock Newsreader
After several years reporting, became a newsreader on the BBC Six O'Clock News (reader for two years before Breakfast Time).
Published 'Through the Volcanoes: A Central American Journey'
Published eyewitness account on Central America.
Royal Television Society: International Current Affairs Award
Won the RTS award for International Current Affairs (one of multiple RTS awards across career).
Presenter on Breakfast Time
Moved to BBC1's Breakfast Time as a studio anchor and reporter.
Became Newsnight presenter
Joined BBC Two's Newsnight as a lead presenter; later became best known for forthright interviewing style.
Published 'Friends in High Places: Who Runs Britain?'
Book based on interviews with influential figures, examining the British Establishment.
Became quizmaster of University Challenge (revival)
Took over as chair/quizmaster when University Challenge was revived; continued in role until 2023.
BAFTA Richard Dimbleby Award (first)
Received BAFTA's Richard Dimbleby Award for outstanding presenter in the factual arena.
Royal Television Society Interviewer of the Year & Broadcasting Press Guild award
Won RTS 'Interviewer of the Year' for the Howard interview and the Broadcasting Press Guild award for best non-acting performer.
Famous Michael Howard Newsnight interview (13 May 1997)
Repeatedly asked Michael Howard the same question ('Did you threaten to overrule him?')—the exchange became iconic and won wide attention.
Began presenting BBC Radio 4's 'Start the Week'
Presented the flagship Radio 4 programme Start the Week from 1998 to 2002.
Honorary doctorates from University of Leeds and University of Bradford
Received honorary doctorate (Leeds, summer 1999) and honorary degree (Bradford, December 1999).
Received second Richard Dimbleby Award
Awarded the Richard Dimbleby Award again in 2000 (and nominated in 2001 and 2002).
Became Vice-President of The London Library (date approximate)
Listed as a Vice-President of The London Library in sources; exact appointment date not provided in the biography excerpt.
Made Honorary Fellow of St Catharine's College, Cambridge (date approximate)
Sources state he has been made an Honorary Fellow of his alma mater, St Catharine's College, Cambridge; exact date not given.
Became Fellow by Special Election of St Edmund Hall, Oxford (date approximate)
Recorded as a Fellow by special election of St Edmund Hall, Oxford (exact year not specified in the source; approximate placement here).
Enigma machine sent to Paxman and returned to Bletchley Park
A German Enigma machine stolen from Bletchley Park Museum was inexplicably posted to Paxman; he returned it to the museum.
Revised edition: 'A Higher Form of Killing' (2002)
Revised 2002 edition of his 1982 book with updated assertions (example: claims about Iraq's chemical/biological weapons).
Facilitated Tony Blair studio Q&A on Iraq (famous 'do you pray together?' exchange)
Prime Minister Tony Blair answered audience questions in a TV studio mediated by Paxman; Paxman famously asked whether Blair and Bush prayed together.
George Galloway interview controversy (2005)
Early-morning Newsnight interview after the 2005 election in which Paxman questioned Galloway about removing 'one of the very few black women in Parliament' (Oona King); interview was cut short.
Subject of 'Who Do You Think You Are?' (genealogy episode)
Episode (January 2006) traced Paxman's ancestry and generated publicity, including emotional moments about family history.
Honorary doctorate from the Open University (2006)
Received an honorary doctorate; Open University ceremony attendance included members of the OU's University Challenge team.
UK tabloid salary leak: Sun reported BBC earnings
The Sun claimed Paxman earned £800,000 for Newsnight and £240,000 for University Challenge (total £1,040,000) in 2006; prompted BBC internal probe.
Appeared in BBC comedy 'The Thick of It' (cameo)
Played himself grilling a (fictional) junior minister in a satirical comedy episode (aired Jan 2007).
Delivered MacTaggart Memorial Lecture (Edinburgh TV Festival)
Gave high-profile speech (24 Aug 2007) criticizing contemporary television and urging a rediscovery of purpose.
Described Robert Burns' work as 'sentimental doggerel' (2008 editorial)
Comment in the introduction to the 2008 Chambers Dictionary attracted criticism for his dismissal of Robert Burns.
Royal Television Society award (2008)
One of several RTS awards; RTS Television Journalism Awards winners included Paxman in 2008 (Interviewer/Presenter recognition history).
Began presenting Newsnight highlights on BBC America/BBC World (Feb 2008)
From February 2008 he presented a weekly compilation of highlights for the international audience until shortly after the 2008 U.S. election.
Controversy: Employment of domestic workers reported (2008)
News of the World published allegations about the treatment and pay of two Romanian live-in domestic workers employed by Paxman (reported wages ~£200/week in article).
Presented BBC One documentary series 'The Victorians'
Four-part series exploring Victorian art and culture, first broadcast 15 Feb 2009; accompanied by a book 'The Victorians' (2009).
Published 'Empire: What Ruling the World Did to the British'
Published study of the British Empire; accompanied by related broadcast series (Empire, broadcast 2012).
Broadcast series 'Empire' began (BBC One)
BBC One transmitted his series 'Empire' from 27 Feb to 26 Mar 2012, examining the history and legacy of the British Empire.
Russell Brand interview went viral (11 April 2012)
Interview in which Russell Brand declared voting 'futile' and called for revolution; Paxman later admitted he had not voted in some elections.
Interviewed Chloe Smith about fuel duty (26 June 2012)
Questioned Employment Secretary Chloe Smith about Chancellor George Osborne's decision to delay fuel duty increase; BBC faced criticism for Osborne sending a junior minister.
TV appearance on 'The Graham Norton Show' controversy (2013)
Called Prime Minister David Cameron a 'complete idiot' over his role in First World War commemorations; prompted calls for apology from an MP.
Complaints over University Challenge remarks (Feb 2013)
BBC received 44 complaints after Paxman's 'acerbic' remarks caused a contestant to repeatedly apologise (press report Feb 2013).
Published 'Great Britain's Great War' (2013)
Published history book on Britain's First World War; later presented TV series 'Britain's Great War' (2014).
Announced departure from Newsnight (end of April 2014)
BBC announced Paxman's departure from Newsnight after 25 years; he had indicated wanting to leave earlier.
Presented final Newsnight (18 June 2014)
Final Newsnight edition included interviews with Lord Mandelson, Boris Johnson and a brief reappearance of Michael Howard.
Co-presented 'David Cameron and Ed Miliband Live: The Battle for Number 10'
Co-presented live broadcast interviewing both party leaders ahead of the 2015 general election.
Separation from partner Elizabeth Clough (2016)
Amicable separation after 35 years together (the relationship is commonly dated 1981–2016).
Voted in EU referendum (23 June 2016) — intended leave then voted remain
Said he went to vote intending leave but ended up voting remain; later commented that result must be respected.
Honorary degree from the University of Exeter (July 2016)
Awarded an honorary degree for achievements in broadcasting and journalism.
Published memoir 'A Life in Questions' (Oct 2016)
Released a memoir reflecting on career and life.
Co-presented Channel 4's 'May v Corbyn Live: The Battle for Number 10' (29 May 2017)
Interviewed Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn separately for Channel 4 ahead of the 2017 general election.
60 Minutes interview (Australia) discussing EU referendum stance
In 2019 interview said he voted remain in 2016 (though had intended to vote leave) and argued the referendum result should be respected.
Revealed treatment for Parkinson's disease (May 2021)
Publicly revealed he was receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease and described his symptoms as 'mild'.
Announced standing down from University Challenge & disclosed Parkinson's diagnosis
In 2022 announced he was stepping down as University Challenge host and that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
ITV documentary 'Paxman: Putting Up With Parkinson's' broadcast
Documentary revealed how Parkinson's has affected him and showed him meeting experts, trying therapies and attending classes.
Recorded last episode of University Challenge (15 Oct 2022)
Recorded his final episode of University Challenge (recording date); episode later aired in 2023.
Began contributing to 'Movers and Shakers' podcast
From March 2023 he contributed to a podcast about life with Parkinson's, recorded in a Nottingham pub with fellow presenters.
Final University Challenge episode aired (29 May 2023)
The last episode he recorded (Oct 2022) was broadcast on 29 May 2023.
'Movers and Shakers' awarded UK Podcast of the Year (Broadcasting Press Guild)
In March 2024 the UK Broadcasting Press Guild named 'Movers and Shakers' its 'UK Podcast of the Year' (Paxman is a contributor).
Delivered petition to 10 Downing Street on Parkinson's care (April 2024)
Delivered a petition with recommendations concerning NHS treatment of Parkinson's patients, making public comments on treatment quality.
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