Emily Maitlis anchors Channel 4 General Election coverage

Former BBC news presenter Emily Maitlis, best known for roasting Prince Andrew in an infamous Newsnight interview in 2021, is to co-host Channel 4's General Election coverage.

He left the BBC in 2022 and now presents Global's The News Agents podcast with John Sobel and Louise Goodall.

Maitlis said: „I'm delighted to be bringing The Newsagents to the heart of Channel 4 on this momentous night – and to be working with such an incredible cast. I can't wait.”

He will co-host an election special with Channel 4 news anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

The date for the next general election is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be held later this year and by January 2025.

Other familiar faces appearing on Channel 4 throughout the night include former Labor spin doctor Alistair Campbell and former Conservative cabinet minister Rory Stewart, who hosts The Rest is Politics podcast.

Claire Paulding, Channel 4 presenter Cathy Newman and Gogglebox stars will also feature.

Guru-Murthy said: “I am very much looking forward to joining this amazing line-up of people to capture an amazing and historic night.

„I think this will be one of those rare election nights that we'll remember for decades, so I hope the audience will enjoy spending it with us.”

Stewart added that he believes he and Campbell „disagree even in the heat of election madness.”

Other leading broadcasters are yet to announce their election coverage plans.

Channel 4 has previously tried different formats for its election night coverage, including alternative election night shows featuring comedians and live audiences.

In 2019, the presenters included Kathryn Ryan and Rylan, and the moment was remembered by some as the live studio audience cheered the announcement of the Leave referendum, correctly predicting a Tory majority.

This time marks a return to a more traditional form.