Broadcaster, comedian and writer Sue Perkins is the next host of BBC Radio 4’s iconic and much-loved Just a Minute

As a recent guest host and 58-time panellist, Sue Perkins is primed to rule on cases of hesitation, repetition or deviation. She takes the host’s chair for the 87th series of Just A Minute (JAM), to keep in check fellow long-time participants Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth and many more talents all bringing their linguistic A-game to proceedings. Sue follows in the footsteps of the late Nicholas Parsons who masterfully presided over the programme for over 50 years.

Sue first appeared on JAM in 2000, following many years as a regular panellist her first turn at the helm took place as part of a series of guests hosts earlier in 2021. Adjudicating playfully fought rounds, Sue oversaw a line-up of Stephen Fry, Jenny Eclair, Desiree Burch and Paul Merton. She says:

“I’m beyond delighted to be asked to host this most legendary of shows. Nicholas’ shoes are way too big to fill, but I shall bring my own shoes, and work my socks off in them to keep our listeners entertained.”

Nicholas’ widow, Annie Parsons, says:

“As the Minute Waltz fades away, I have no doubt that Nicholas would be delighted to know that Just A Minute will continue long into the future under the superb guardianship of Sue Perkins who fully understands and embraces possibly the most often repeated five words on TV or Radio; ‘Without hesitation, repetition or deviation’.”

The next series of Just A Minute begins Monday 6 September on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds and is a BBC Studios Production. You can read more in the press announcement.