Despite there still being viewers of a certain age who think that Mastermind hasn’t been the same since the days of Magnus Magnussen, John Humphreys started hosting the show 18 long years ago.
And in the grand tradition of the quiz he’s decided that having started (even if it was back in 2003) he’s now going to finish.
The 77-year-old journalist and broadcaster who has also been a guest speaker with Clive Conway Productions, says he’s stepping down from the show when the current series ends next month.
Writing in the Daily Mail last week, Humphrys said: “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.”
The move brings to a close another chapter in John Humphrys long and distinguished career most. He is best known of course for his 32 years with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
During his time on the show he built a reputation as the BBC’s most tenacious interviewer feared and admired in equal measure for holding truth to power.
His interviews with politicians and Captain’s of industry beca e the stuff of legend. He stood down from Today last year.