Stephen Fry to present Jeopardy! as ITV reboots the legendary American quiz show

Stephen Fry will host a reboot of the legendary American quiz show Jeopardy! this autumn on ITV1 and ITVX.

The actor, 65, will host 20 episodes of the series in which contestants play to win, using their best general knowledge and potentially continuing to rack up winnings, if they can stick around to the end.

Self-proclaimed fan Stephen said, “In the United States, ‘Jeopardy!’ is a phenomenon like no other. When I’m in America I go out of my way to catch it every weekday.

‘The idea of ​​hosting it here in the UK makes me giddy with delight. Such a dedicated quizzing nation as ours will, I hope, welcome this uniquely enticing and endlessly rewarding game.”

The American classic first hit our UK screens in the 1980s and now Stephen will be putting a modern spin on the cult classic.

American classic: The actor will host 20 episodes of the series in which contestants play to win, using their best general knowledge and possibly continuing to rack up winnings, if they can stay until the end (late American host Alex Trebek pictured)

Game show: Self-proclaimed fan Stephen said, “In the United States, ‘Jeopardy!’ is a phenomenon like no other. When I’m in America I go out of my way to catch it every weekday

The show made Alex Trebek a household name and he hosted the show for 37 seasons between 1984 and his death at age 80 in 2020.

Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV said: ‘Bringing ‘Jeopardy!’ in front of a brand new audience as part of our weekday schedule is exciting.

“There’s no one better at hosting this classic game show than Stephen, who brings knowledge and entertainment to all our viewers.”

UK versions of ‘Jeopardy!’ previously appeared on UK TV screens between 1983 and 1984 on Channel 4, on ITV from 1990 to 1993 and on Sky One from 1995 to 1996.

Sunil Patel – the CEO of Whisper, who produces the show – is now excited to announce ‘Jeopardy!’ to a new generation of ITV quiz fans’.

Looking forward to the new series, Sunil said, “I can’t think of a more perfect combination: an iconic American quiz show and the legendary Stephen Fry.

“Introducing Jeopardy is an absolute thrill! to a new generation of ITV quiz fans, with its unique twist on the traditional question-and-answer format for viewers to play with at home.”

It comes after the Blackadder star was accused of making racist and sexist jokes at a prestigious dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground earlier this month.

Can’t wait: Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment at ITV said, ‘Bringing’ Jeopardy!’ in front of a brand new audience as part of our weekday schedule is exciting

Big shoes to fill: The show made Alex Trebek a household name, hosting the show for 37 seasons between 1984 and his death at age 80 in 2020

Stephen, president of the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), is said to have suggested female members of the club were absent because they ‘fuck’.

The author is also said to have made a joke about Islamic terrorism. An official complaint has been made to Guy Lavender, CEO of MCC. Stephen addressed a chamber of 60 members at the £90-a-head dinner last Wednesday.

According to the complaint, he said, “I was going to say ‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,’ but there are no female members present. I assume they’re fucking.’

There would be four waitresses present, it is claimed. He then allegedly made a comment about the Allahakbarries, an amateur cricket team founded by Peter Pan author JM Barrie.

The charge reads: “He noted that the term ‘Allahu Akbar, when used today, is usually followed by a loud bang.”

Controversy: It comes after Blackadder star was accused of making racist and sexist jokes at a prestigious dinner at Lord’s Cricket Ground earlier this month

Chris Waterman, 75, and a member of the MCC for 25 years, filed his complaint the next day. Last night he told The Mail on Sunday: ‘The MCC is manly, pale, brittle and musty. I’ve been trying to reform it for eight years.’

His complaint reads: “After the meal, the president called all the serving staff back into the room to thank them.

“I interrupted him and asked him to apologize for his earlier comments about women, and he said, ‘No, I was talking about female members,’ and continued.”

Mr Waterman, in his complaint about Allahu Akbar’s comment, says, “I’m not sure if there were any Muslims in the room, but even if there weren’t, this is not an acceptable ‘joke’ in 2023.”

MailOnline reached out to both MCC and Stephen’s representatives for comment at the time.

Danger! starts this autumn on ITV1 and ITVX