Fiona Bruce has been confirmed as the new presenter of Question Time.
The BBC News and Antiques Roadshow presenter will take up her role on the BBC One 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 political programme, with panellists and a live 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.
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‘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.’
Bruce will become the first female presenter of the BBC One current affairs panel show.
Dimbleby announced in June that he would be leaving the role in December, after 25 years in the presenter’s chair.
Names tipped among his possible successors had included Kirsty Wark, Emily Maitlis, Victoria Derbyshire, Nick Robinson, Jeremy Paxman, John Humphrys and Huw Edwards.
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Dimbleby first presented Question Time on January 14 1994 and is the longest serving presenter of the show.
He beat rival Jeremy Paxman after each had to endure a gruelling audition for the role.
The debate programme was previously hosted by Peter Sissons and its first host Sir Robin Day.
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