During an interview with the Daily Mail in 2021, Amol Rajan revealed why he wears a gold watch that doesn’t even tell the time.
The University Challenge host is generally a fan of jewellery, and was described as a “worried Christmas tree” because of how many trinkets he wears.
Some of his regular accessories include a silver necklace that was gifted to him by a friend, a ring from his mum, a ring with his wife’s familial crest, his wedding ring, and the aforementioned broken watch.
When asked why he wears the timepiece if it doesn’t work, Amol had quite a philosophical answer.
He told the Mail: “It says that I have a very strong sense of time, but one that is all in my head.”
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Amol Rajan owns a watch made of solid gold (Image: Getty)
However, the interviewer questioned this explanation, pointing out that Amol was not able to fall asleep on time the night before he made his first appearance on Radio 4’s Today programme as a presenter.
The host responded: “You are a bit more practical. Perhaps it is more that I have a very, very acute sense of how brief life is.”
Amol has admitted to turning up for his first day of work on the radio show half cut, after attempting to drink himself to sleep the night before.
He shared: “At around 9.30pm, a complete dread set in, total and utter terror. These demons were just unleashed in my head, having a complete rave in the front and back of my brain.
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The University Challenge host has explained his reason for wearing the broken item (Image: Getty)
“I felt out of control. I went downstairs and said to my wife that I was not ok. I poured myself a big glass, probably a double shot [of rum].
“Then I found myself doing it again. I took half a sleeping pill and listened to one of those meditation apps. I tried the World Service, I tried Radio Three, I tried everything.
“Then I got in a cab at three o’clock and went to the studio. I might still have been a little bit p***ed. Slightly smelling of Old Havana.
“But the team were really, really nice about it. And adrenaline takes over.”
Thankfully Amol’s appearance on Radio Four went well – in fact so well that he went on to create his own interview series for telly with the .
He then took over University Challenge when Jeremy Paxman stepped down as show host in 2023.
At the time, Amol said: “Being asked to host my favourite TV programme is dream-come-true territory. I have watched University Challenge obsessively for years, addicted to its high standards, glorious title music, and inspirational contestants.
“It’s the best possible antidote to cynicism about young people, allowing millions of us to test our wits against the best minds of a new generation, and annoy and impress our families by barking answers from the sofa.
“I am very conscious that in the late, great Bamber, and that giant of British culture, Jeremy, I have vast shoes to fill. With his immense intellect, authority, and respect from students and viewers alike, Jeremy hands over a format, and show, as strong as ever.”