Taking on Question Time is an honour, says Fiona
FIONA Bruce has described the ‘ honour’ of taking over from David Dimbleby as the host of Question Time at ‘a time of historic change’.
The presenter, 54, was confirmed as the programme’s first female host in its 40-year history yesterday – almost six months after Mr Dimbleby, 80, announced he was giving up the plum job.
Miss Bruce, who also hosts the BBC News At Six and Ten and Antiques Roadshow, will take the reigns when the series returns on January 10.
‘It is an honour to be asked to take on one of the great political programmes of the BBC,’ she said. ‘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. I can’t wait to get started.’
Originally seen as an outside bet for the role, Miss Bruce saw off competition from the likes of Kirsty Wark and Emily Maitlis. The newsreader was put through her paces by a cross-party panel of MPs and journalists in front of an audience at a south London school in October.
Fran Unsworth, director of BBC news and current affairs, said: ‘David is a tough act to follow, but Fiona impressed us all – with her authority, warmth, and ability to connect with the audience and champion their concerns. We’re delighted to have her at the helm.’ Miss Bruce, who has been with the BBC since 1989, will continue to present the main news bulletins as well as Antiques Roadshow and Fake or Fortune?