Evan Davis is to replace Jeremy Paxman on ‘Newsnight’.
The ‘Dragons’ Den’ host been named the lead presenter of the BBC Two current affairs programme and will front the show three nights a week, the BBC has confirmed.
Evan, 52, who previously served as Newsnight’s former economics editor, will leave his role on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today’ programme to take up his new TV role in the autumn.
He said: "I can’t deny that I feel terribly sad to be leaving the ‘Today’ programme. I have been there for over six years and those have been some of the most satisfying of my career. That programme is put together by remarkably few people, and I can’t praise them highly enough for their professionalism and companionship.
"But at the same time, how could I turn down the offer of this role on ‘Newsnight’, treading in the footsteps of some of the best television presenters in the business? While it is a scary prospect, it will be an adventure and a challenge, and I hope the viewers will be happy with the result."
‘Newsnight’ editor Ian Katz added: "Evan brings a rare combination of curiosity, intelligence and mischief to his broadcasting – just the qualities I want ‘Newsnight’ to be known for. I’ve admired him from afar as a listener and viewer for years and I’m thrilled that he’s joining us to help reinvent the show where he made his name in the Nineties."
Evan will be joined on ‘Newsnight’ by existing co-hosts Kirsty Wark, Emily Maitlis and Laura Kuenssberg.
Jeremy Paxman quit the programme after 25 years earlier this year and anchored his final show in June.
Evan Davis to present Newsnight
