After thirteen years as host of the BBC comedy panel game-show, QI (Quite Interesting), Stephen Fry has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the current season. Fry has had an illustrious television career spanning nearly four decades.
As well as being one of Britain’s foremost comedians; best known for his work with Hugh Laurie on A Bit of Fry and Laurie, he has directed the critically acclaimed feature film Bright Young Things based on Evelyn Waugh‘s novel Vile Bodies, presented numerous radio shows and documentaries, starred in a host of films including two thirds of Peter Jackson‘s Hobbit trilogy, written a series of books, and remains a staunch defender and activist in the realm of human rights.
QI is a unique take on the pop-culture panel show; asking obscure questions with unlikely answers. Fry has been responsible for doling out points to the competing teams; often rewarding comedic responses and penalising answers based on cultural myths and outdated theory. Through the 180 episodes of the show, Fry was commonly joined by permanent panelist, comedian Alan Davies.
Speaking to the BBC about his departure, Fry has stated:
“For 13 years I had one of the best jobs on television. Behind the camera, squadrons of quite extraordinarily brilliant researchers, program-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“.
The British comedian stepped into the role of host at the last minute, replacing Monty Python alumni Michael Palin for the pilot. However, the position suited Fry so well that he stuck with it for over a decade. Stephen Fry will be replaced as host next season by Sandi Toksvig. The British-Danish author, presenter, comedian and politician has previously starred as a guest on the show. She is the Co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party. The new series of QI will premiere on BBC Two on Friday October 16.
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