I have absolutely nothing against Prince Harry, or Prince William, or Catherine Middleton, or the Queen. Amol Rajan's The Princes and the Press reveals the parasitical sycophancy of royal correspondents The gargoyles on display here only make their weird, semi-necrophilia seem all the more repellent by talking so very earnestly about it. I had been so excited to see Samira as the new host, but someone High Up at the Beeb has chosen someone else. Which is to say, only one side thinks there is one. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. Rajan also came under fire after he presented a controversial BBC documentary titled The Princes And The Press, which explored William and Harry's relationship with the media. It is not the first time Rajan has been the focus of royal controversy. A crown? It said: "A free, responsible and open press is of vital importance to a healthy democracy. It sends a clear signal and undoes so much work done to make all students feel welcome and safe, she began. Country diary: Avian flu is devastating the seabirds of the Northern Isles . The self-delusion frequently spreads to those who cover the royals. Furious neighbourhood row over iconic gardens near set of 'Notting Hill': Homeowner is 'threatened with Birdwatchers capture extremely rare Grey-headed lapwing on camera for the first time in the UK. Ive had an amazing time rehearsing & being a standby presenter for it this year. The presenter told The Sunday Times Magazine he kept falling and hurting himself and would end up with cuts, bruises and black eyes and 'blood everywhere.'. He will now step down from his Media Editor role andbegin filming early next year and be seen on screen from autumn 2023. He also praised Paxman saying he will have vast shoes to fill, and that he will dedicate his first Starter for 10 to the former presenter. And it was this week claimed members of the Royal family were mulling over their next steps, with legal reps reported to have watched the second instalment when it aired on Tuesday. "His tweets show Amol Rajan's bias, @BBCNews should be ashamed," one person wrote. As Rajan sombrely notes, royal reporting is not scripture, by which he means, I suppose, that it is basically gossip, as delivered by a servant. He has been married to Charlotte Faircloth since September 2013 and the couple have three children. When Jeremy Paxman gave up University Challenge last year, Rajan was announced as his replacement. . Mr Rajan's apology came after his BBC documentary the Princes and The Press is understood to have sparked fury at the Palace, with the Queen said to have been "upset" by the show. A BBC documentary he recently presented - The Princes And The Press - attracted criticism from the royal households, which said "overblown and unfounded claims" were given credibility. "Amol is an experienced BBC journalist who reports on all of the topics he covers in an impartial way and in line with the BBCs editorial guidelines., Huge blow to Starmer as Brits say Sunak best leader & reject woke Labour, Shock Sky favourite in talks to replace Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday, Everton captain Coleman rushed to hospital after suffering horror knee injury, Warning as popular cheese removed from supermarkets over deadly bacteria fears, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Amol Rajan, who presented the controversial beeb documentary The Princes And The Press, wrote a number of remarks about the royals in The Independent back in 2012. When it was announced this week that Paxman would be stepping down, Samira Ahmed, a fellow BBC presenter, publicly stated that she was unhappy with the application system. As longtime observers of so-called Fleet Street will be aware, living down to expectations is a constant burden. A man who has applauded the bravery of TERFs is taking over a show with one of the biggest queer/trans representations on TV. When do we want it? Amol Rajan joined the Today presenting team in 2021. In the days and hours before The Princes and the Press screened, some parts of the media were in a right old flap. But no one from the BBC has spoken to me yet about taking over. She explained how she had worked on making casting more diverse, with more female, non-binary and queer students on the programme the ever before, as well as a significant number of neurodiverse students. The veteran presenter said he sufferedregular falls, including one that left him with 'black eyes', andadmitted it was 'very hard to know you're not going to get better'. The journalist and broadcaster said: 'I've had a blast hosting this wonderful series for nearly 29 years. Rajan was also a restaurant critic for The Independent on Sunday, leading to occasional guest appearances on BBC One cooking show MasterChef. Ahmed, who previously won an unequal pay claim against the BBC, said she had approached the production team about the job, having worked on the show as a stand-by presenter for the past year. Amol Rajan investigates how much class still matters in Britain's elite professions. "I would like to say sorry for any offence they caused then or now. MORE : Jeremy Paxman walks red carpet with a cane ahead of being honoured at Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, MORE : Jeremy Paxman, 72, was rushed to hospital twice in 24 hours. A BBC journalist was today slammed for joking about throwing a brick at Kate Middleton and Prince William in unearthed tweets. Do the papers show the royal households the entire proof copy front page before they run with this or that anonymous briefing? When I was 18 I joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), he said. Some of the parasitical gargoyles on parade here only make their weird, royal semi-necrophilia seem all the more repellent by talking so very earnestly about it, as if they were reporting not the activities of a highly peculiar family, but Watergate or the My Lai massacre. Rajan was criticised by the Royal Family earlier this year for a documentary about William and Harry's relationship with the media calledThe Princes and the Press, Buckingham Palace. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For he revealed that on the eve of his debut appearance, hed had a full-on panic attack, drunk three massive rums and managed only an hours sleep before appearing for the show at 3.45am. BBC man at centre of royal show storm attacked Kate and William as 'total frauds'. Amol Rajan was behind the microphone and it was his name that got the first mention. The Princes and the PressBBC Two, aired Monday 22 November, 9pm; now on BBC iPlayer, This article appears in the 24 Nov 2021 issue of the New Statesman, The Agent of Chaos, Subscribe for the best of our politics, international affairs, culture and business coverage, straight to your inbox. Need to watch some sport, quick. Perhaps thats no surprise given this is Britains longest running TV quiz, in a nation of quiz lovers. The BBCs media editor, 39, was confirmed to be taking over from Paxman last year, after the 72 year old announced he was stepping down after nearly three decades. 17/01/2022. [See also: Prince Harrys attack on the tabloids ignores the real media pirates]. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. After the remarks resurfaced, he tweeted: 'In reference to very reasonable questions about some foolish commentary from a former life, I want to say I deeply regret it.'. In the first of five programmes discussing how we should respond to population change around the world, Amol Rajan and guests ask, 'Is demography destiny?' Show more Download Choose your file. And this morning Justin is wearing a cardigan, a sort of a cross between an actor from Starsky & Hutch and Val Doonican. The BBC Two documentaryallegedly aired "unfounded" allegations that William and his staff briefed the mediaagainst Meghan and Harry. Isn't that what the Wokies do when distasteful, hateful old tweets emerge?". I may need a lie down after this. Which means she provides OPINION. Hammy pauses, disappointed sighs, patronising explanations: he is very good on Today on BBC Radio 4, but here he sounds ridiculous, half-Hercule Poirot and half-Richard Madeley. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Amol Rajan today apologised for comments he made in The Independent years ago, Amol Rajan said the royal clan was 'full of fools' and called Prince Philip a 'racist buffoon', BBC documentary 'The Princes and the Press' explores William and Harrys relationship with news outlets, BBC star Amol Rajan forced into humiliating apology for rude and immature comments on Prince Philip, Kate and William, Huge blow to Keir Starmer as Sun mega poll shows Brits think Rishi Sunak is a better leader & reject Labour's woke ideas, Brits are proud of this great country despite endless negativity from the left, Just one in five Brits back 'completely outdated' BBC licence fee, poll reveals, Chances of Labour landslide are melting as voters simply don't trust Keir Starmer, Evil 'Devils Disciple' serial killer enjoys freedom after 47 years despite being 'too dangerous to release permanently', First picture of 'friend to everyone' Brit grandad, 60, who died snorkelling on dream family P&O cruise in Caribbean, Leading Jewish organisation demands meeting with Guardian editor over 'sickening anti-Semitic cartoon' of ex-BBC boss, Woman stabbed to death in horror daylight attack on busy street next to O2 Brixton Academy as police hunt killer, Princes and The Press is understood to have sparked fury at the Palace, allegedly aired "unfounded" allegations that William and his staff briefed the media, legal reps reported to have watched the second instalment, The second part of the doc was titled 'Sussexit', Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). And from their feedback and sheer numbers, our treasured audience has made very clear I am far from alone.. The journalist and broadcaster Amol Rajan has been announced as the new host of University Challenge, taking over from Jeremy Paxman. Amol Rajan is a 39-year-old journalist and broadcaster. Earlier this year his 'world exclusive' interview with tennis star Novak Djokovic faced criticism for airing the Serbian ace's anti-vax views. The irresistible rise of Amol Rajan - and what his BBC critics think Armed with brains and ambition, the journalist and presenter now bestrides the British media world - but is his judgement. His appointment to the University Challenge job has attracted some controversy around the hiring process. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. But the presenter, who has three grown-up children with ex partner Elizabeth Clough, said he refused to be 'beaten down' by the condition and said he hoped it would not totally incapacitate him. The documentary prompted the broadcast of a Christmas carol service led by the Duchess of Cambridge at Westminster Abbey to be moved from the BBC to ITV. You were barely tolerated: the end. He has covered for Zoe Ball and Jeremy Vine on Radio 2, and been a regular stand-in on The One Show. Amol Rajan will be new host of University Challenge. Mr Paxman announced in May 2021 he was being treated for Parkinson's but said his symptoms were 'currently mild'. Of the interview with Bill Gates, the newspaper said: While Rajan deserves credit for refusing to pander to his guest, he may prove to be as divisive as his interlocutor. Bloody people, he remarked to William and Harry, before catching sight of the BBCs Nicholas Witchell. Ive been lucky enough to work with an amazing team and to meet some of the swottier brains in the country. This is worse. As well as a new host, the set for University Challenge has been modernised, with changes since the previous set, which was in place from 2013 and saw 1,736 contestants compete. It's better to have a little sugar than any sweetener at all, says Gut Health Guru DR MEGAN ROSSI. ", Also among the tweets was one posted on June 16, 2012 - the day of Trooping the Colour - when Mr Rajan said: "This utterly relentless, spirit-crushing monarchist propaganda on the BBC is making me ill. I voiced that at the time. Journalist and broadcaster will take over from Jeremy Paxman in autumn 2023, the BBC says. 'It's really annoying,' he said, adding he felt tired most of the time. 'It's the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.'. The symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are mild when they first appear, and they gradually worsen. Neither of us were properly informed of why we were no longer a part of the show, she explained. However too often overblown and unfounded claims from unnamed sources are presented as facts and it is disappointing when anyone, including the BBC, gives them credibility., News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. My gap year there coincided almost exactly with 9/11 and the year after. The Mail in particular has run a number of articles and columns by the likes of Janet Street-Porter, in which he is energetically trashed. Now, weve been given our first look at Rajans University Challenge debut, as recording is underway for the programmes 61st year. 'We appreciate that not everyone will agree with our choice of story running orders, but we consider that this has been a big ongoing news story which also encompasses key issues such as mandatory vaccination and international travel restrictions. 'With his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever. A BBC journalist was today slammed for joking about throwing a brick at Kate Middleton and Prince William in unearthed tweets. But I expect theyll shut up now. Buckingham Palace was, we were told, furious at the series suggestion of a briefing war between William and Harry. But others have taken issue with the move from the BBC, after a former University Challenge researcher explained why she felt he was not the right decision to helm the programme. The fallout from Amol Rajans BBC documentary has shone a light on the least edifying beat in British journalism. Ill be stuck to the next episode like fly paper. By Rachel Cooke Photo by Getty Images What's the collective noun for royal correspondents? In an interview with the Mails Jan Moir in 2021, Rajan after careful thought decided his greatest virtue was . However, responding to the complaints, a BBC spokesperson said: 'The BBC's exclusive interview is the first time Novak Djokovic has spoken about his position himself, and our news editors judged that the interview was of genuine significance and was of interest to our audience, particularly in light of what unfolded in the build-up of the Australian Open in January. Mr Rajan's apology comes after his BBC documentary the Princes and The Press is understood to have sparked fury at the Palace, with the Queen said to have been "upset" by the show. I'm about to throw a brick at Kate and Wills and would love a good cat sanctuary right now. Jeremy Paxman, who has presented University Challenge since 1994, will film his last episode this autumn, while his final series will air on BBC Two from August 29 through to summer next year, Paxman with his partner Jillian Taylor in 2019 at a performance of The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13 the Musical. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Rajan joined experienced broadcasters such as Mishal Husain and Nick Robinson, but his star quality has done nothing toadd listeners despite bouncing back at the end of 2022, the audience was still 282,000 down on last year. The modernised staging has replaced hulldailymail.co.uk - Mike Bedigan, PA, Lorna Hughes 9h All rights reserved. When he was announced as the new host in August, almost a year before hell be hitting our screens on the BBC One programme, Rajan described the opportunity to host as dream come true territory. Apologising today, the 38-year-old journalist insisted the comments were "foolish" and "immature". BBC reporter Amol Rajan is investigating how the government and employers could address classism in a new documentary featuring a student from Hull. . The idea that the royal family could claim with any certainty that one or several of their ludicrous retinues HADNT briefed a journalist is absurd. The BBC's 2021/22 annual report showed Rajan was on a salary of 325,000-329,999 and is expected to be paid more as the host of University Challenge. After playing excerpts from the interview, Rajan said: And if that isnt enough for you, the whole series, which has got interviews with the likes of Greta Thunberg stop laughing, Justin Billie Jean King and Ian McKellen thats a good one is on BBC Sounds . Maybe so, but it appears to have done little to instil a love of Britains institutions. Everyone has views, and its pathetic of so-called free speech nuts to pretend that they havent; he certainly didnt push them in the programme. The BBC's media editor, 39, was confirmed to be taking over from Paxman last year, after the 72 . Rajan has also been involved in other controversies. That the newspapers many of whose royal correspondents appears as on-camera interviewees in Rajan's documentary are now going in hard on it with stories of the Monarchy's "displeasure" and claims that in the words of The Daily Mail "Meghan's mouthpieces" were privileged over the "rest of the Royals" is just . She explained on Twitter: I think you should all know: I approached University Challenge myself months ago. I'm completely committed to impartiality and hope our recent programmes can be judged on their merits. 'Other royals, particularly Prince Philip and the scientifically illiterate Prince Charles, who champions policies that would lead to the murder by starvation of millions of Africans, I dislike.'. Amol Rajan, 39, is a journalist who is currently the BBC's media editor, though he will step down from this position to host University Challenge. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Chris Cooper, an electronic engineering. Pupils and parents face more disruption as thousands of teachers go on strike again today in row over pay Keir Starmer braces for civil service verdict on Sue Gray's recruitment as his chief of staff today saying Police FINALLY confront Just Stop Oil eco-mob causing travel chaos in London as they order them off road but RICHARD LITTLEJOHN: What do we want? (Not that hes interested in gossip; no, he is preoccupied only with how or why narratives emerge.). After the newcomers name was announced, she revealed she believed it was worse than the name who she was originally told would replace Paxman. Lily James steals the spotlight in a dramatic leather gown as she flies Met Gala 2023: Kate Moss, 49, slips into a pink lingerie inspired gown as she coordinates with lookalike Met Gala 2023: Brooklyn Beckham looks lovingly at wife Nicola Peltz as she wears a flowing white gown with Baring it all! To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Amol Rajan will take over from Jeremy Paxman as host of University Challenge from autumn 2023, the BBC revealed today. He was raised in Tooting, south-west London, and, after attending Graveney School, took a gap year to work in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before going on to read English literature at Downing College, Cambridge. I get the sort of, I get the instinct that kind of, you know, you need to know kind of, you know, the more detail that you have the better the judgments you can make, I used to be a diplomat, I worked for a year at the Foreign Office.. Just before the 8am pips on Radio 4s flagship current affairs programme last Friday, one of the presenters issued the traditional reminder to listeners: Youre listening to Today on Radio 4 with Amol Rajan and Justin Webb. Last modified on Thu 18 Aug 2022 13.13 EDT. University Challenge first aired in 1962 hosted by Bamber Gascoigne and this year celebrates its 60th anniversary as Britain's longest running TV quiz show. On the very, very rare occasions that sacred D-notice is broken, you will only hear about the royal family in the most deferential, scrupulously fair and quintuply sourced terms. Speaking of his diagnosis, Paxman, who wrote a new book, Black Gold: The History of How Coal Made Britain during lockdown, said the only thing people could do was to 'adapt,' but admitted he struggles with how unpredictable the disease is. More than slightly puzzled by it and a little resentful of it..