Fiona Bruce confirmed as new Question Time host, replacing David Dimbleby after 25 years

Current host steps down at the end of 2018

Ms Bruce takes over in January (Getty Images)

Fiona Bruce has been named as the new presenter of Question Time, the BBC has announced.

The experienced broadcaster will become the debate show’s first female host when she starts her new role on 10 January, with David Dimbleby leaving the programme at the end of the year.

“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,” said Ms Bruce.

She added: “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.”

Ms Bruce is known as the presenter of BBC shows Antiques Roadshow and Crimewatch, and several of the public broadcaster’s main news programmes. She joined the Beeb as a researcher on Panorama in 1989 and went on to become the first female presenter of the BBC News at Ten.

The 54-year-old reportedly “performed superbly” during recent auditions for her new role.

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.”

Mr Dimbleby announced in June that he would be stepping down after 25 years presenting the discussion programme, making him its longest serving host.

He said he was not giving up broadcasting, but instead planned “to return to my first love – reporting”.

Question Time has been broadcast for nearly 40 years, chaired by Robin Day from 1979, then by Peter Sissons from 1989 before Mr Dimbleby took over in 1994.