Jeremy Paxman, the long-time BBC broadcaster, is to anchor Channel 4's general election night coverage next year.

Channel 4 announced the development today, describing the former Newsnight presenter as a person capable of making “truly unmissable TV for those big political moments”.

"His sense of mischief and danger make him a fantastic fit with Four," the Channel 4's chief creative officer Jay Hunt said.

Of the move, Paxman, who bowed out of presenting Newsnight on BBC2 after 25 years in June, said “this should be fun”.

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

Paxman, who continues to present BBC’s University Challenge, announced his departure from Newsnight in April, saying he wanted to “go to bed at much the same time as most people”.

His terrier-like approach, often complete with a condescending raised eyebrow at the subsequent answer, did not always make him popular with guests but made Newsnight a hit.

His BBC biography said he got his break in broadcasting “making the tea at Radio Brighton”, has spent his working life with the corporation.

His career includes a stint covering the Troubles in Northern Ireland and working as a presenter on radio, breakfast TV and the Six O'Clock News before finding the show he made his own.

Channel 4’s election night coverage - The Alternative Election Night - won a significant (10.4 per cent) audience share in 2010 and proved popular among younger viewers.