ROMESH Ranganathan is to host the reboot of BBC quiz show Weakest Link.

The general knowledge programme was first broadcast in 2000 before ending 12 years later. It returned for a Children In Need special in 2017.

The new iteration of Weakest Link will air on BBC One with celebrity contestants, the broadcaster said.

The Argus: Romesh will take over from Anne Robinson to present the BBC quizRomesh will take over from Anne Robinson to present the BBC quiz

Crawley born comic Romesh will oversee the star guests, who are replacing members of the public and trying to win money for their favourite charities.

Romesh, 43, says he is proud to have been asked to take over from previous host Anne Robinson.

He said: “It’s an honour to be asked to bring what is basically a TV institution back to our screens.

“Anne was an amazing host and to step into her shoes is an anxiety-inducing privilege.

“I’m hoping we’ve found a way to make both the fans of the show happy as well as bringing a new audience to it. If not, accept this as my apology.”

Kate Phillips, director of entertainment at the BBC, said: “Weakest Link has always been a firm favourite with audiences and Anne Robinson was a terrific and formidable host.

“I can’t wait to see Romesh bring his own unique style of presenting to one of TV’s most memorable roles.”

The new series of Weakest Link will consist of 12 45-minute episodes, the BBC said.

Anne, 76, hosted the original series and built a reputation as a no-nonsense quizmaster, often delivering cutting remarks to contestants.

She is the latest host of Channel 4’s Countdown.

Romesh is known for such shows as The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, for which he won a Bafta in 2020.

He won another at this year's Bafta TV Awards for his BBC Two programme The Ranganation.

Last week he was unveiled as the new full-time host of A League Of Their Own, Sky's sports-based panel show.

Its next series will be filmed next month at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire and is due to air on Sky One in August.