Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

As a huge fan of Jeopardy!, I can’t help but be disappointed with the lackluster revival of the UK version of the show and the hasty departure of Stephen Fry as its host. Having followed the show’s tumultuous history in the UK, it’s clear that the latest installment was a missed opportunity.


The UK Jeopardy comeback was over in the span of a moment, with some attributing its failure primarily to its subpar host.

Stephen Fry shared the news earlier in the year that the game show on ITV was being taken off the schedule after a month, making it the third unsuccessful run for the show in the UK. The most recent edition of “Answers and Questions” didn’t fare well, but maybe a new host could breathe life into it once more. Before we discuss potential hosts for Jeopardy! in the UK, let’s analyze what went wrong with this latest attempt.

Who is Stephen Fry?

Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

Stephen Fry gained recognition teaming up with Hugh Laurie for comedic performances. Originating from Hampstead, he collaborated on various British sketch shows alongside notable figures such as Rowan Atkinson, known for “Mr. Bean,” and the Academy Award-winning Emma Thompson.

Despite his impressive background as a comedian and advocate for mental health, Fry’s suitability for hosting Jeopardy! was questioned by some fans. They noted that his presentation style was uneven, the pacing of his delivery wasn’t smooth, and his guest segments lacked excitement.

After Alex Trebek’s passing in 2020, the hosting duties of Jeopardy! were taken over by Fry, but his performance fell short of the high standards set by Trebek. Trebek had been an ideal fit for the role when he replaced Art Fleming in 1984 with his extensive knowledge and quick wit. Despite his comedic background, one might have expected more engaging banter and interaction between Fry and the contestants.

Fry might not have been the ideal pick, but maybe another prominent figure from the UK could breathe life into Jeopardy! I’ve compiled a list of three celebs who I think would excel as UK hosts:

James Corden

Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

In 2022, James Corden chose to step down from hosting “The Late Late Show” on CBS. As a result, CBS decided to conclude the late night show franchise that followed “The Late Show,” marking an end to its broadcast history which started in 1995 with Tom Snyder as the initial host.

At present, Corden, who is now 45 years old, has a musical past. He began his television reporting career with the BBC in the mid-1990s, conducting interviews with musicians like Meat Loaf. His acting roles in films include “Gulliver’s Travels,” “One Chance,” and “Begin Again.” Next year, he will appear in “The Smurfs Movie” on the big screen.

Under Corden’s hosting, The Late Late Show amassed four Primetime Emmy nods and secured two Creative Emmy victories. Additionally, it was crowned the best talk show of 2016 according to the Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

Corden is an agile thinker with a vast knowledge base, boasting a powerful performance style and an appealing voice. He’s sharp as a tack and can add some playful humor to the program. His car karaoke sessions with famous musicians are just one of his distinctive offerings as a late-night host.

Craig Ferguson

Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

Craig Ferguson, who previously acted as Nigel Wick on “The Drew Carey Show,” became the beloved host of “The Late Late Show” from 2005 to 2014. Many were taken aback when he took over from Craig Kilborn.

His late-night show stood out for numerous reasons, including his opening segments without a script, spontaneous interactions with Geoff Pederson, an unconventional sidekick in the form of a gay skeleton robot, and a collection of quirky characters such as Secretariat the horse, a rhinoceros, and puppets.

Following his exit from the “Late Late Show,” Ferguson shifted to daytime programming, becoming the host of “Celebrity Name Game.” In this show, contestants were matched with a celebrity and given a category. Their challenge was to guess ten names that fit into that particular category for each celebrity.

In 2009, “The Late Late Show” received a Peabody Award, and the host of that program, who was honored on two occasions, took home Daytime Emmy Awards for the Outstanding Game Show Host category.

The Scottish comedian, much like Corden, exhibited a charming blend of wit, humor, and humility that would have earned Alex Trebek’s approval. With experience in game show hosting and ease in half-hour formats, this individual excels at maintaining a smooth show flow. One notable aspect setting him apart from other UK celebrities is his remarkable improvisational skills. During introductions on The Late Late Show, he famously discarded his scripted welcomes and ad-libbed, leading to spontaneous and uproarious moments. His ability to engage in witty banter with guests would make a fantastic addition to UK Jeopardy, alongside his vast knowledge of diverse topics.

Hugh Laurie

Three UK Celebrities that would make great hosts of UK Jeopardy!

Hugh Laurie became well-known in North America starting around 2004, when he took the lead role on the successful medical TV series “House.” During this time, he received two Golden Globe awards and numerous Primetime Emmy nominations for his performance as the show’s protagonist. Previously, Laurie and Fry achieved great success together in comedy shows during the 1980s and 1990s.

I’m a big fan of Laurie, who at 65 years old, is known for his sarcastic remarks. But here’s the thing – his sarcasm and no-nonsense attitude often translate to humor rather than offense. Although he may not be as widely recognized in the realm of hosting, with roles on shows like “Saturday Night Live,” he still brings a star quality to the table.

He may be an outside choice that could add something to a program like UK Jeopardy!

What do you think of these picks? Who would you want to see as host?

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2024-07-29 19:32

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