Did the stiff upper lip finally slip? Emotional Jeremy Paxman bows out of Newsnight #TheEliteParty #Entertain9jar via @myentertain9jar

VETERAN television presenter Jeremy Paxman will appear on Newsnight for the very last time this evening – and he will be reunited with an old adversary.

 

Jeremy Paxman will present his final episode of Newsnight tonight [PA]

Paxman ended his run on the BBC2 programme with a spoof weather report, in which he appeared in front of a large map and said: "And tomorrow's weather - more of the same. I don't know why they make such a fuss about it."

The 63-year-old was famously unimpressed when a weather segment was introduced to the show.

For the final episode he was also reunited with old adversary Boris Johnson – although the Mayor of London seemed to have nothing but warm words for the presenter. 

The pair were also shown attempting to ride a tandem bicycle together.

Paxo shares a joke with Michael Howard [PA]

It is NOT delightful to cycle in London, it's a bloody nightmare

Jeremy Paxman

During the ride Mr Johnson also told Paxman he was "a landmark of our culture" while members of the public could be heard in the background shouting at the pair.

This prompted Paxman to ask the him if people often shouted at him.

The Mayor replied: "Normally they shout, 'You Tory t*****'."

In the clip the Mayor could be seen leading the way at the front, telling Paxman: "I want to show you how delightful it is to cycle in London".

But the broadcaster was having none of it and retorted: "It is NOT delightful to cycle in London, it's a bloody nightmare".

True to form, however, Mr Johnson insisted: "It's absolutely wonderful to cycle in London.

Paxman asked Mr Johnson why his bike hire scheme had been "such a failure", to which the Mayor responded that it had been a "howling success".

Paxman is known for his aggressive questioning style [PA]

The presenter went on to describe the so-called "Boris bikes" as rubbish, lumbering and uncomfortable”.

Paxman also got the chance for one final grilling, as he interviewed Labour peer Peter Mandelson about Iraq – giving him opportunity to show off his trademark incredulous sneer one more time.

The presenter also had time to cram in a few of his famous one-liners, including claiming that Labour leader had as much appeal "as a flatulent dog in a lift".

In a nod to one of his most iconic interview, former Conservative leader Michael Howard also made an appearance.

Referencing the toe-curling interview in which Paxman asked Mr Howard the same question 12 times to try to get him to admit if he had threatened to overrule the prisons chief Derek Lewis, the presenter simply asked the former Home Secretary: "Did you?".

He replied: "No Jeremy, I didn't, but feel free to ask another 11 times."

As the camera panned out it was impossible to see if the formidable broadcaster shed a tear, but there was certainly something of a lip-wobble as he said his final farewell.

Paxman ended simply with the words: "I'll just say thank you for watching Newsnight. I hope you continue to enjoy it. Goodnight and goodbye."