Sue Perkins named as next host of Radio 4’s Just a Minute

Broadcaster, comedian and writer Sue Perkins is to be the host for the 87th series of BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute.

This follows her being a recent guest host and 58-time panellist, first appearing on the programme in 2000. After many years as a regular panellist her first turn ‘in the chair’ took place as part of a series of guests hosts earlier this year, where she oversaw a line-up of Stephen Fry, Jenny Eclair, Desiree Burch and Paul Merton.

Sue follows in the footsteps of the late Nicholas Parsons who masterfully presided over the programme for over 50 years.

Just a Minute first broadcast on Radio 4 in 1967, hosted by Nicholas Parsons. Participants over the years have included Kenneth Williams, Pam Ayers, Julian Clary, Nish Kumar, Sheila Hancock, Shappi Khorsandi, Bob Monkhouse, Miriam Margolyes, David Tennant, Stephen K Amos, Victoria Wood and many more.

Sue Perkins says: “I’m beyond delighted to be asked to host this most legendary of shows. Nicholas’s shoes are way too big to fill, but I shall bring my own shoes, and work my socks off in them to keep our listeners entertained.”

Nicholas’ widow, Annie Parsons, adds: “As the Minute Waltz fades away, I have no doubt that Nicholas would be delighted to know that Just a Minute will continue long into the future under the superb guardianship of Sue Perkins who fully understands and embraces possibly the most often repeated five words on TV or Radio; ‘Without hesitation, repetition or deviation’.”

Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4, says: “A repetition of Nicholas Parsons’ singular, and much missed, genius, was never likely, and a deviation was always on the cards. However, it is without any hesitation that I announce my absolute delight that Sue Perkins has agreed to be the new host of Just a Minute.

“She is a brilliant, quick witted comedian, who will, I know, make JAM her very own. I look forward to hearing how she will hold the likes of Paul and Gyles to account as she keeps the flag flying on this much loved member of the Radio 4 family.”

The next series of Just a Minute begins Monday 6 September on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.