Evan Davis to replace Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight – Daily TV round-up

Evan Davis is to replace Jeremy Paxman on 'Newsnight', it's been confirmed.

Davis, who currently presents Radio 4's 'Today' programme, has worked on the show before from 1997 to 2001.

He was also the BBC's economics editor for six-and-a-half years, and has presented special programmes for the BBC as well as the long-running series 'Dragons' Den'.

“I can't deny that I feel terribly sad to be leaving the Today programme,” said Davis of his appointment.

“I have been there for over six years and those have been some of the most satisfying of my career.

[Is Paxman going to Channel 4?]

“But at the same time, how could I turn down the offer of this role on Newsnight, treading in the footsteps of some of the best television presenters in the business?

“While it is a scary prospect, it will be an adventure and a challenge, and I hope the viewers will be happy with the result.”

He also took to his Twitter account to confirm the news.

"I didn't believe it when I read about it in the papers but now it's official. I'll be leaving @BBCr4today and heading off to Newsnight," he said

"I had been determined to outlive John Humphrys on @BBCr4today so I have failed. But you can't turn down Newsnight."

“Evan is an outstanding journalist," added BBC director general Tony Hall.

“I think he is an extraordinary, clever and intelligent interviewer. He has a wonderful presence on TV and I've got no doubt he'll be a really great presenter of Newsnight.”

It was thought that fellow 'Newsnight' presenters Laura Kuenssberg, Kirsty Wark or Emily Maitlis may have slipped into the anchor role, while Robert Peston was also said to be considered.

Paxman quit as 'Newsnight' presenter last month, following 25 years on show.

He added that he wanted to 'go to bed at much the same time as most people'. [BBC]

Also in today's press

'Game of Thrones' star Maisie Williams ripped into British Airways on Twitter after they refused the actress access to the business class lounge, because she is too young. 17-year-old Maisie wrote: “Denied from the business lounge once again for being under 18 and without an adult... @British_Airways sort your s**t out. I'm not saying I deserve special treatment. Just saying if 16-18 yr olds are grown up enough to travel 5,400 miles around the world I'm sure we can handle sitting quietly in the damn lounge.” BA replied: “‘Hi Maisie. We're sorry if you were disappointed, lounge guests must be 18 or older. We look forward to welcoming you soon.” [Twitter]

The BBC has slashed its budget for presenting talent by more than £6 million. The figure marks a 15% drop in the budget since 2009. The corporation has long come under fire for the wage bills of the likes of Jeremy Clarkson and Graham Norton. [Irish Independent]

Nigel Havers has said that he regrets having had a number of affairs over his life. “Looking back, I don’t know how I did it. I couldn’t do it now. I think if you are married, you should stay married,” said the 62-year-old actor. [Daily Mail]