Jeremy Paxman: College Challenge host and former Newsnight host reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis | Ents & Arts News

Broadcaster Jeremy Paxman has revealed he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The University Challenge host and former Newsnight host said he had received “excellent treatment” and his symptoms were “currently mild.”

The 71-year-old reporter said in a statement: “I can confirm that I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.

“I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they have me.”

Paxman has hosted University Challenge since 1994, making it the oldest current quizmaster on UK television.

He is also well known for being a tenacious presenter of the BBC’s Newsnight – a show he worked on from 1989 to 2014.

During this time, he interviewed many prominent figures in politics and culture.

One of his most famous grills was that of Michael Howard in 1997.

Paxman tirelessly questioned the then Home Secretary about a meeting Mr Howard had had with prison chief Derek Lewis over the possible dismissal of Parkhurst prison chief.

As he stepped down from Newsnight after 25 years in the role, Paxman interviewed London Mayor Boris Johnson, as they both rode in a tandem.

He also interviewed party leaders on Sky News and Channel 4 during the general election campaigns of 2015 and 2017, grilling politicians such as Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.

Paxman, who was born in Leeds, began his career in 1972 as part of the BBC’s graduate training program, working on local radio and reporting on the unrest in Belfast.

Shortly after moving to London in 1977, he …