Jeremy Paxman, the legendary political journalist and broadcaster, once accused the BBC of being “pogonophobic” after his decision to grow a beard sparked an unexpected row in 2013. Paxman, best known for presenting Newsnight and University Challenge, appeared on screen with a full beard, prompting widespread discussion. He jokingly suggested the corporation had a “fear of beards,” coining the term pogonophobia.
Paxman Defends His Beard Decision
Explaining why he kept his facial hair while presenting Newsnight, Paxman said: “I have grown a beard for the last few summers, and suddenly wondered whether I really needed to shave it off to present Newsnight.” He added: “Unless you're lucky enough to be Uncle Albert on Only Fools And Horses, Demis Roussos or Abu Hamza, the BBC is generally as pogonophobic as the late-lamented Albanian dictator, Enver Hoxha.”
Paxman insisted the decision was entirely his own, stating: “I may keep it, or I may shave it off, but I think I'll make my own decision.”
Colleagues React to the Beard Row
The remarks sparked an amusing response from colleagues. Former Newsnight presenter Martha Kearney recalled an exchange with Paxman years earlier that suggested he may once have held similar views. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's World At One, Kearney remembered interviewing then-Labour politician Frank Dobson. When she praised Dobson's experience, Paxman replied: “But he's got a beard.” She admitted the comment left her “completely lost for words.”
Broadcaster Robin Lustig also weighed in, claiming there was truth behind Paxman's comments. He argued there were very few current affairs presenters with beards on television and recalled being advised earlier in his career that shaving would improve his chances of appearing on screen.
Social Media Weighs In
The debate spread across social media, where viewers, fellow broadcasters, and comedians shared their verdict on Paxman's new appearance. BBC presenter Emily Maitlis joked she would respond by growing “a moustache,” while crime writer Ian Rankin quipped that he was “really digging the new album by Paxman's Beard.” Others compared the broadcaster's new look to Father Christmas and a marooned Ben Fogle. Presenter Kirstie Allsopp joked: “Paxo with a beard is like me going blonde, there are just some things that are not meant to be.”
Paxman's Later Years
Paxman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2021 and stepped down from presenting University Challenge a year later. Following the news, he frankly admitted: “[Parkinson's] may not kill you, but it will make you wish you hadn't been born.”
