'It's been fun' BBC star Jeremy Paxman quits Newsnight after 25 years #CarryGobySeanKellz #FutureGroupNG via @myentertain9jar

JEREMY Paxman has announced that he is to leave BBC2 show Newsnight after 25 years.

Jeremy Paxman has announced that he is to quit Newsnight after 25 years[BBC]

The broadcaster, who has become one of the BBC's most familiar faces, announced the news with a statement earlier today, joking that he is ready to "go to bed at much the same time as most people."
"I have decided it is time to move on from Newsnight," the statement read.
"After 25 years, I should rather like to go to bed at much the same time as most people."

The broadcaster revealed that he was keen for an earlier bedtime [WENN]

He went on to reveal that he made the decision last summer, but agreed to stay on until June
"This was a decision I reached - and informed the BBC of - last July. I shall work out the remainder of my contract and will not seek another.
"It's been fun. I have had the pleasure of working with lots of clever, creative and amusing people. I think I've been lucky and wish the programme well."

The 63-year-old will continue to present University Challenge [SPLASH]

BBC Director General Tony Hall described him as "a rare and dazzling talent," while James Harding, BBC head of news, said he had become the "great lion of BBC journalism" who "never failed to ask the difficult questions."
Speaking today, Hall said: "This is a particularly poignant moment for me, because I have known Jeremy and relished working with him, since the day I joined the BBC in 1973. And I am therefore better placed than most to know what a remarkable job he has done at Newsnight.

Paxman has become one of the BBC's most familiar faces [WENN]

"His is a rare and dazzling talent. He has a unique ability to create moments of real discomfort for politicans and memorable delight for audiences. For that cussed brilliance and much more besides, the BBC and our audiences will always be in his debt.”
Paxman will present his last edition of Newsnight in June and will continue to present University Challenge.