He came to fame as the first presenter of the popular television quiz show, University Challenge, first airing in 1962, based on the US series College Bowl. He held the position for 25 years, stepping down in 1987. Although he has written several books, mostly works of history, and presented other television programmes, his name is permanently connected with University Challenge for many viewers of the show.
His questioning manner was firm yet polite. Phrases he often used which became catchphrases include: "Your starter for ten", "fingers on the buzzers" and "I'll have to hurry you".
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