Beards are so 2013, says clean-shaven Paxman

The broadcaster caused a stir in August when he fronted the BBC2 current affairs programme sporting a full beard.

Speaking before Monday night’s programme, the 63 year-old told the Radio Times: “If a chap can’t shave on holiday, what can he do? Beards are so 2013.”

Paxman’s appearance drew a huge response when he grew the beard more than five months ago, when he branded the BBC pogonophobic – having a fear of beards.

At the time, he explained his reasons, saying: “I have grown a beard for the last few summers, and suddenly wondered whether I really needed to shave it off to present Newsnight.

“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.”