Jeremy Paxman to front Channel 4's 2015 general election night coverage

The presenter said it should be 'fun' to join the youth-targeted broadcast

Jeremy Paxman will front Channel 4's 2015 general election coverage

Jeremy Paxman will present Channel 4’s general election night coverage, the broadcaster has confirmed today.

The former Newsnight presenter turned stand-up performer will anchor the coverage in direct competition with his former employer the BBC.

Channel 4’s election night coverage is typically more light-hearted, attracting a large proportion of 16-34 year old viewers.

In 2010, its Alternative Election Night broadcast attracted 45 per cent of 16-34 year olds, in comparison with the BBC’s 22 per cent.

Paxman said it “should be fun” to join Channel 4’s election night coverage.

“There are new and interesting questions to ask about the way we choose our governments. This should be fun,” he said.

Jay Hunt, chief creative officer of Channel 4, said: “Jeremy is a compelling presenter and makes truly unmissable moments. His sense of mischief and danger make him a fantastic fit.”

Paxman was reported to be in talks to join Channel 4 at the International Television Festival in Edinburgh.

Fresh from leaving BBC 2's Newsnight, the presenter staged his first stand-up show at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer, telling an hour of anecdotes from Pognophobia to Y-fronts.

Read more: Jeremy Paxman's best Newsnight interviews