R4's 'Brain Of Britain' host to step down

Robert Robinson, chairman of BBC Radio 4's Brain Of Britain, is to step down after nearly four decades on the programme, the BBC has confirmed.

Robinson started presenting Brain Of Britain in 1972 when original host Franklin Engelmann passed away.

He will be replaced as quizmaster on the show by Russell Davies, who deputised for Robinson in 2004 and 2009 due to the presenter's ill health.

Speaking about leaving the show, Robinson said: "It feels a bit like running away from home! On the other hand, one mustn't outstay one's welcome.

"Faithful listeners, along with all concerned with the production of Brain Of Britain, have been so supportive over the many years. I shall be missing them and it."

Outgoing Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer added: "The brilliant Robert Robinson is retiring after more than three decades, during which he has defined the art of the quizshow host.

"He has presided over Brain Of Britain with sympathy for the contestants, wit and panache. It has been a joy listening to him and he will be greatly missed by the audience."

Discussing the task of following in Robinson's footsteps, Davies said: "Having started listening to Brain Of Britain when Franklin Engelmann was in charge, I feel I've heard and admired Robert Robinson's entire contribution to this great tradition, and it's been a huge pleasure.

"His wonderful urbanity and airiness are quite inimitable. I feel myself wanting in particular to imitate his cries of regret at a wrong but attractive answer - 'Ah, Mr Bloggs, would that it were, would that it were!'

"To take over from such a well-known figure is a formidable challenge, but I'm hoping that his example will carry me through."

Alongside Brain Of Britain, Robinson has also presented Radio 4's Today and Stop The Week programmes, along with TV show Call My Bluff.