Paxman
To End The Week, Marr To Start The Week
Jeremy Paxman, who has been presenting Start The Week for BBC Radio
4 since 1998, has decided to step down.
Helen Boaden, the Controller of Radio 4, today announced the new
presenter of one of Radio 4's most respected and popular programmes
is to be to Andrew Marr, the BBC's Political Editor.
Speaking about his decision to give up the programme, Jeremy Paxman
said: "I've had a wonderful five years, full of interest. But
now it's time to let someone else have a go."
Andrew Marr will present Start The Week when it returns in November.
The return of the series has been delayed to allow Andrew to cover
the political party conferences in his continuing role as the BBC's
Political Editor. (A re-run of the highly acclaimed six-part series
Falklands Families will be broadcast in the STW slot, begininning
in September).
Helen Boaden said: "Jeremy has done a tremendous job as the
presenter of Start The Week and I hope he will continue to broadcast
on Radio 4.
"I'm delighted that Andrew Marr has agreed to become the new
presenter. Andrew has the kind of wide-ranging interests and intelligent
curiosity that makes him ideal for the role. I'm looking forward
to hearing how the programme develops with him at the helm."
Andrew Marr said: "It is one of the most daunting and thrilling
jobs in radio. I suppose I’m both daunted and thrilled!"
10 Things about Start The Week
1.
STW began in April 1970
2.
It has always been on Mondays at 9.00am
3.
The programme was originally a light-hearted magazine programme
4.
Richard Baker was the first presenter
5.
STW used to have a cookery slot
6.
Ugandan dictator Idi Amin once played the accordian on the programme
7.
Previous presenters have included Kate Adie, Sue Lawley and George
Melly
8.
Melvyn Bragg took over the programme in 1988
9.
In spite of its huge reputation for excellence, it has never won
a Sony Award
10.
Henry Kissinger famously didn't walk out on Jeremy Paxman - he just
had to leave early
Notes
to Editors
Biographies of Andrew
Marr and Jeremy
Paxman
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