Mastermind announces new host after John Humphrys exit – and you’re bound to recognise him
MASTERMIND has announced a new host after the departure of John Humphrys.
Clive Myrie, 56, will take over as the presenter of the quiz show, as well as Celebrity Mastermind.
Clive will be the fifth host of the BBC’s popular quiz show which marks its 50th anniversary next year.
Clive is a BBC news journalist and a regular presenter of the BBC News at Six and Ten since 2010 as well as the BBC News Channel.
Prior to that he has been the BBC’s Asia, Africa, Washington, Paris and Brussels correspondent. Clive has also appeared as a guest on hit BBC One Entertainment shows Have I Got News For You and Would I Lie To You.
He recently won the RTS Television Journalism award for best presenter, with one judge noting his “versatile, measured, compelling, relaxed but reassuring and empathetic” style.
Clive says: “What a privilege it is to take on this new role. Mastermind with Magnus Magnusson formed the backdrop to my youth, and now to be at the helm is a dream come true. I’m excited and can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Kate Phillips, BBC’s Director of Entertainment gushed: “Clive will be a superb host, witty, wise and with a wicked sense of humour, he’s a consummate interrogator who also understands the fear involved when facing a barrage of questions in the spotlight.”
Jimmy Mulville, Hat Trick Productions and David Young, Hindsight Productions added: “Clive was always at the top of our list to step into the host’s shoes and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he is going to lead us into a new era of this iconic show.”
Clive will begin filming on the new series in Belfast in July and the show will return to screens later this year.
John Humphrys’ last episodes will be broadcast in April.
Last month John took to his column in the Daily Mail to announce his exit from the show after 18 years.
He penned: “When the present series comes to an end in March there will be someone else in the chair.
“I started 18 years ago — a very long time in the ephemeral world of showbiz. Now, after more than 750 shows, it really is time to finish.”
“I wish my successor well, but I’m not sure I envy them, whoever ‘they’ may be.”