'Never Mind The Buzzcocks': Rhod Gilbert First Permanent Host In Five Years

Rhod Gilbert has been named as the permanent host of comedy panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks. The BBC2 show has lacked a permanent presenter since 2009 when Simon Amstell departed so he could work on his own comedy tours and performances. 

Rhod Gilbert is the first permanent Buzzcocks presenter in five years.

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Gilbert has previously appeared on the show and hosted an episode of Never Mind the Buzzcocks in 2009. The Welsh comedian has also appeared on other panel shows such as Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You, also for the BBC. 

The BBC made the announcement today (9th July) and 45-year-old Gilbert also issued a statement. He explained how he had initially wanted to be on the show after he guest hosted five years and was apparently told hosting permanently was a possibility. He added how pleased he is to be working alongside panel captains Phil Jupitus and Noel Fielding.

Noel Fielding is a permanent panel captain on the show.

Gilbert said "After my first Buzzcocks in 2009, I was told I was in with a shot to take over as regular host, and now, just five years later, I got the call. It has all happened so fast. Never Mind the Buzzcocks is one of those rare shows that feels like it belongs on our screens. It's an institution, in a good way. It's a great honour to be asked to take the reins full time and to hang out with Noel and Phill, and I'm equally excited and nervous about adding my name to those who have hosted it in the past."

Guest hosts have presented the show since Simon Amstell announced he would be leaving in 2009. Since then hosts have included Jack Dee, Terry Wogan, Robert Webb and Mark Ronson. Gilbert is the third permanent host in the show's eighteen year history, the first presenter was Mark Lamarr who hosted until 2005 before Amstall took over for three seasons.

The 28th series of Never Mind the Buzzcocks will begin filming later this year and will air in Autumn.

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Phil Jupitus is also a panel captain.