Amol Rajan confirms exit from major presenting role: “It’s time to get my coat”

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Amol Rajan has announced he is leaving his role on BBC’s Today programme after five years.

The radio personality, who started working on the popular show in 2021, announced he’s starting his own business and pursuing entrepreneurial interests.

The BBC confirmed that Rajan will still be with the organization, continuing to host University Challenge and the Radical podcast.

Rajan announced his departure, saying it was time for him to move on. He admitted leaving Today might seem unusual, but praised the team as consistently world-class and exceptionally well-led by Owenna Griffiths and Mohit Bakaya. He described his time there as being part of something truly special, comparing it to playing for Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United or Steve Waugh’s Australian cricket team.

I’m incredibly proud of the Amol Rajan Interviews series, and I believe it will be remembered for years to come. It’s been a real honor traveling the world – and even just around Essex – to spend time with so many remarkable people.

He explained his decision to leave by saying that after considering it for twenty years, he’s thrilled to start his own company in the growing world of online content creation. He will continue hosting Britain’s longest-running TV quiz show and a popular podcast.

I always admired Del Boy as a kid, and now I’m ready to pursue my own business ventures. I definitely won’t be leaving the BBC – it’s a vital part of British culture, and its commitment to public service is incredibly valuable, especially in today’s changing world. I’m looking forward to what comes next and embracing new challenges.

Rajan took over from Jeremy Paxman as the host of University Challenge for the 53rd series in 2023.

Prior to his time at the BBC, Rajan led The Independent as its editor. This made him the first editor of a major British national newspaper from an ethnic minority group in over 100 years.

He left his previous position in 2016 after becoming the BBC’s first media editor. Then, five years later, he joined the Radio 4’s Today programme.

Owenna Griffiths, the editor of Today, highly commended Rajan’s intelligence, wide-ranging interests, and great sense of humor. She said it was a pleasure working with him on both Today and the Radical program, and that he will be greatly missed.

Mohit Bakaya, who leads BBC Radio 4, expressed sadness at Rajan’s departure, noting his unique intelligence and inquisitive nature. However, he was happy that Rajan will continue to appear on the station regularly.

John McAndrew, who leads live and daily news coverage, praised Amol as a very talented individual and a great asset to the Today program. He expressed his gratitude for Amol’s contributions and is pleased he will continue working with the BBC.

Amol has brought new energy to the Today program, and we plan to continue updating the show and its on-air team in the coming months.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest trends in television, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and has also contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2026-01-15 16:37