Fiona Bruce has been confirmed as the new host of BBC One's Question Time, becoming the first female full-time presenter in the show's 40-year history. Bruce, who currently presents the BBC News at Six and Ten and Antiques Roadshow, described the role as 'an honour'.
She will replace David Dimbleby, who steps down later this month after 24 years at the helm. A senior BBC source said Bruce performed 'superbly' in recent auditions, with her credentials as a high-profile journalist also key to her appointment.
Bruce 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.'
Fran Unsworth, director of BBC News and Current Affairs, said: 'Question Time is one of our flagship political programmes, giving people across Britain the chance to hold the powerful to account.' Bruce will work again with editor Hilary O'Neill, who was previously a deputy editor on the Six and Ten O'Clock News.
Bruce began her BBC career in 1990 as a researcher on Panorama, later becoming a reporter on the programme and Newsnight. In 2001, she became the first female presenter to be part of the BBC's general election studio team.
