Sandi Toksvig to replace Stephen Fry as host of QI
Stephen Fry has announced he will step down as the host of BBC panel show QI after thirteen years.
The BBC announced today that the British icon will step away from the panel quiz show, having hosted it since its inception in 2003.
He will be replaced by Sandi Toksvig – who stepped down as host of Radio 4’s News Quiz earlier this year.
She will take the helm next year, with regular panellist Alan Davies remaining on the show.
Mr Fry, 58, tied the knot to his partner Elliott Spencer in January.
He said: “For 13 years I had one of the best jobs on television.
“Behind the camera squadrons of quite extraordinarily brilliant researchers, programme makers and uniquely curious (in both senses of the word) people making that job so much easier.
“In front of the camera generations of lively minds and above all of course the wonder of nature that is Alan Davies.
“After passing the alphabetical halfway mark I thought it time to move on, but I will never cease to be grateful to John Lloyd for devising QI and for everyone else for making it such fun.”
Sandi Toksvig said: “Stephen has been utterly brilliant with the first half of the alphabet.
“Now I look forward to picking up the baton, mixing my metaphors and sailing towards the Land of Nod (ie. Z). Who knows what lies ahead? It should all be quite interesting.”
The show’s creator John Lloyd added: “It’s been a thoroughly delightful experience. After more than 40 years in broadcasting, QI has been by far the most enjoyable show it has been my privilege to produce, and Stephen has been its big, beating heart.
“Though we are all very sad he’s decided to move on, I am confident that we have found the perfect person to occupy his gigantic shoes.
“Sandi will be the first female host of a mainstream comedy panel show on British television – an appointment that is well overdue.”
