Thrilled Fiona is new QT host
FIONA Bruce was named yesterday as the new presenter of Question Time – the first full-time female host in the show’s history.
The news presenter and Antiques Roadshow host, 54, last night said she was “thrilled and not a little daunted” by the news.
She will take up her role on the BBC’s flagship political show when the new series returns on January 10 next year.
She landed the job, replacing veteran presenter David Dimbleby, after candidates hosted a pilot episode of the programme, with panellists and a live audience.
A BBC chief later said she impressed with her “authority, warmth and ability to connect with the audience”.
The BBC News At Six and News At Ten host said: “It is an honour to be asked to take on one of the great political programmes of the BBC, particularly at a time of such historic change for the UK and tumult at Westminster.
“For many years Question Time has been presented by one of my television heroes, so I am thrilled and not a little daunted to be stepping into his shoes.
“But it is a programme I have watched for as long as I can remember and have long wanted to be part of.”
Dimbleby, 80, announced in June that he would be leaving the role this month – after 25 years in the presenter’s chair.
The BBC One show was previously hosted by Peter Sissons and its first anchor, Sir Robin Day.
Guest presenters during Day’s tenure included Sue Lawley.
Names tipped among possible successors to Dimbleby included Kirsty Wark, Emily Maitlis, Victoria Derbyshire, Nick Robinson, Jeremy Paxman, John Humphrys and Huw Edwards.
Dimbleby is the longest serving presenter of the show. He beat Jeremy Paxman after each had to endure a gruelling audition.
Director of BBC News and Current Affairs, Fran Unsworth, said: “David is a tough act to follow, but Fiona impressed us with her authority, warmth and ability to connect with the audience and champion their concerns.” Director of BBC Content Charlotte Moore added: “Fiona’s huge experience and long established relationship with audiences make her the ideal person.”
Bruce will continue to present the main news bulletins regularly and will still host Antiques Roadshow and Fake Or Fortune?
NOW Fiona Bruce is a familiar face to all of us. She has charmed television viewers first on BBC’s News at Six, then as the host of the News at Ten and other programmes such as Antiques Roadshow. It is very welcome that she is to fill the large shoes left by David Dimbleby as the new host of Question Time. This was the right time for a woman to take the role, but we agree that Ms Bruce has won the job on merit. She will certainly bring a new feel to a show that may have been in need of a bit of a refresh.