'It is time to move on': Jeremy Paxman quits BBC's Newsnight after 25 years

Of his decision to leave Newsnight, Jeremy Paxman said that he wants to 'go to to bed at much the same time as most people.'

13:23 01 May 2014

Jeremy Paxman has announced that he is leaving BBC’s flagship current affair show Newsnight after 25 years saying, admitting that the unsociable hours of working helped him make his decision. 

 

The broadcaster, who is one of the corporation’s biggest and most loyal stars, released a statement saying: "I have decided it is time to move on from Newsnight.

 

"After 25 years, I should rather like to go to bed at much the same time as most people.

 

"This was a decision I reached - and informed the BBC of - last July. I shall work out the remainder of my contract and will not seek another.

 

"It's been fun. I have had the pleasure of working with lots of clever, creative and amusing people. I think I've been lucky and wish the programme well."

 

Paxman will present his last show in June. He will continue to host quiz show University Challenge. 

 

Director-general Tony Hall said: "This is a particularly poignant moment for me, because I have known Jeremy and relished working with him, since the day I joined the BBC in 1973. And I am therefore better placed than most to know what a remarkable job he has done at Newsnight.

 

"His is a rare and dazzling talent. He has a unique ability to create moments of real discomfort for politicians and memorable delight for audiences. For that cussed brilliance and much more besides, the BBC and our audiences will always be in his debt."