Clive Myrie makes his debut as host of Mastermind

‘I could listen to Clive Myrie all night’: Mastermind viewers are full of praise for the new host as he makes his debut on the quiz show following John Humphrys’ 18 years as the presenter

  • Clive Myrie, 56, who lives in north London, hosted BBC Two Mastermind tonight
  • BBC News presenter took over from John Humphrys after 18 years as presenter
  • Many enthusiastic viewers of the quiz show praised Clive’s debut on Twitter

Clive Myrie impressed the viewers of Mastermind tonight as he made his debut as the host.

The 56-year-old, who lives in north London, had gushed about having ‘big shoes’ to fill on the BBC Two quiz show ahead of taking over from presenter John Humphrys after his 18 years at the helm.

However, the BBC News presenter appeared confident as he effortlessly read specialist and general knowledge questions in the host’s seat.

One viewer said: ‘I could listen to Clive Myrie all night’, while another added: ‘I don’t know the new host but he has a lovely clear voice and I don’t need the subtitles.’

 

Clive Myrie (pictured) impressed the viewers of Mastermind tonight as he made his debut as the host

Mastermind viewers praised the new host after he appeared on his first episode tonight on BBC Two

Mastermind viewers praised the new host after he appeared on his first episode tonight on BBC Two 

Clive acknowledged the 50 years of history behind him by opting to continue the tradition of wearing a polished suit and tie.

Happy with his appearance, one viewer tweeted: ‘Clive Myrie proving to be an excellent choice as host. It’s already so much more watchable than it has been for years. #Mastermind’

Another said: ‘Well that was a hell of a challenge for Clive Myrie’s first specialist subject round! Feels like he passed it with flying colours with all those Swiss pronunciations.’

A third added: ‘Clive is a huge improvement for #Mastermind. He even makes the ridiculously long questions feel somewhat natural.’ 

Some viewers suggested, however, that Clive needed to be ‘snappier’ with his ‘Yes’ after a contestant had answered a question correctly. 

The 56-year-old (pictured), who lives in north London, had gushed about having 'big shoes' to fill on the BBC Two quiz show ahead of taking over from presenter John Humphrys after his 18 years at the helm

The 56-year-old (pictured), who lives in north London, had gushed about having ‘big shoes’ to fill on the BBC Two quiz show ahead of taking over from presenter John Humphrys after his 18 years at the helm

Tonight’s episode began with Clive introducing himself and the contestants, saying: ‘I’m your new host, in the next 31 episode I’ll have the privilege of joining 96 contenders as they begin the stiffest of challenges to make it through the heat and the semis and then to the grand final.

‘The last six, who’ve survived, will compete for the ultimate prize. This magnificent glass bowl and more importantly the title of Mastermind champion.

‘The rules and the challenge have been the same for almost half a century. The daunting walk to the black chair to battle the nerves with the spotlight only on you,  then the questions.

‘Two minutes on a specialist subject and two and a half minutes on general knowledge.’

Clive (pictured) acknowledged the 50 years of history behind him by opting to continue the tradition of wearing a polished suit and tie

Clive (pictured) acknowledged the 50 years of history behind him by opting to continue the tradition of wearing a polished suit and tie

Reaction: Viewers were impressed with the new presenter's hosting skills and took to Twitter to share their praise

Reaction: Viewers were impressed with the new presenter’s hosting skills and took to Twitter to share their praise

The broadcaster, who has been a regular BBC News At Six and Ten newsreader since 2010, previously admitted that he had expected to have an influx of racist abuse on social media when it was announced that he would be taking over as the host of Mastermind. 

However he was pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of positive comments and was able to get advice from John Humphrys ahead of tonight’s show.

Clive told Weekend magazine that he decided to try-out for John’s role after hearing that he was retiring.

He explained that the audition took place on Zoom, saying: ‘I dressed up in a collar and tie – everything – even though I was at home. It was around the end of February soon after John announced he was stepping down. 

‘I had a bunch of questions they’d sent for me to ask at speed. The clock really does tick down the way you see it on television.’

Some viewers suggested, however, that Clive needed to be 'snappier' with his 'Yes' after a contestant had answered a question correctly.

Some viewers suggested, however, that Clive needed to be ‘snappier’ with his ‘Yes’ after a contestant had answered a question correctly.

Tonight's episode began with Clive introducing himself and the contestants (pictured)

Tonight’s episode began with Clive introducing himself and the contestants (pictured)

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