Stephen Fry quits QI

Wednesday 14th October 2015, 11:30am

QI. Image shows from L to R: Sandi Toksvig, Stephen Fry. Copyright: TalkbackThames

Stephen Fry is quitting QI at the end of Series 13, which begins this Friday.

As of Series 14, focusing on the letter N and expected to be recorded during Spring and Summer 2016 for broadcast later that year, Sandi Toksvig will host the 'quite interesting' quiz show.

Stephen Fry says: "For thirteen 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."

Talking about Fry in a statement, the show's producers comment: "His sparkling wit, charm and effortless erudition have taken QI on a rip-roaring, award-winning ride across four BBC channels - BBC Four, BBC Two, BBC One and Dave - and to international acclaim all over the world, educating the nation by stealth and bringing a new kind of general knowledge - 'General Ignorance' - to a whole generation."

Fry's place as host of the show will be taken by Sandi Toksvig, the Danish-born writer, presenter, actor and comic, who herself stepped down earlier this year after a 10-year run as chair of Radio 4's The News Quiz. Alan Davies will continue as QI's resident panellist and "genial fall guy."

Fry and Toksvig studied together at university, and have long been firm friends. The pair own their own production company, Sprout Pictures.

Toksvig has previously hosted her own TV panel show, Sky Arts' literary quiz What The Dickens?, which ran for three series during 2008 and 2009.

QI. Image shows from L to R: Sandi Toksvig, Stephen Fry. Copyright: TalkbackThames

Sandi Toksvig says: "QI is my favourite television programme both to watch and to be on, so this is absolutely my dream job. (My Nordic background also makes me keen to spend time with the Elves.)

"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 (i.e. Z). Who knows what lies ahead? It should all be quite interesting."

Creator and producer John Lloyd said today: "Stephen's departure is the end of an era. 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 [permanent] female host of a mainstream comedy panel show on British television - an appointment that is well overdue."

Mark Linsey, Controller of BBC Entertainment Commissioning says: "Stephen has masterfully presented QI for the past 13 years and I am hugely grateful to him for doing such a wonderful job. I'd like to thank him and wish him well for his future endeavours. QI will be in very safe hands with a broadcaster of Sandi's calibre at the helm, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming her to the show."

Kim Shillinglaw, Controller of BBC Two and BBC Four comments: "My huge thanks to Stephen Fry who has presented QI for thirteen fantastic years and I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Sandi Toksvig to the show; she is exactly the kind of bright, brilliant company I want to see on BBC Two."

Lloyd's comment that Toksvig will be the first female host of a mainstream panel show is not true, however. Earlier this year, Holly Willoughby presented prime-time ITV sports show Play To The Whistle, whilst former tennis professional Sue Barker has helmed the non-comedy sports panel quiz A Question of Sport since 1997.

Additionally, mixing panel with chat and other TV formats, previous comedies in a similar vein to have been hosted by women include I Love My Country, Dirty Digest, and King Of....

QI Series 13 - M - begins this Friday night at 10pm on BBC Two. Sandi Toksvig will appear as a guest once during the series, in an episode titled Mechanical Machinery.

Share this page