Fiona Bruce set for Question Time hosting debut as she replaces veteran presenter David Dimbleby

Fiona Bruce is set to make her debut as the presenter of Question Time when the series returns later tonight.

The news reader and Antiques Roadshow host took the reins from David Dimbleby, who stepped down from the role last year.

Bruce, 54, is the first woman to chair the BBC’s political debate programme, which is returning after a short Christmas break.

She won the coveted role after candidates hosted a pilot episode of the current affairs debate show, with panellists and a live audience.

BBC newsreader and Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce
PA

All eyes will be on the BBC News At Six and News At Ten host when she hosts her inaugural programme, following Dimbleby's 25 years at the helm.

Names tipped among veteran Dimbleby's possible successors had included Kirsty Wark, Emily Maitlis, Victoria Derbyshire, Nick Robinson, Jeremy Paxman, John Humphrys and Huw Edwards

Bowing out: David Dimbleby 
BBC Pictures

Former Crimewatch presenter Bruce has previously said that she is "thrilled and not a little daunted" about her new position.

She also said it is an "honour" to have been asked to host the programme, "particularly at a time of such historic change for the UK and tumult at Westminster."

Question Time airs at 10.45pm on Thursday on BBC One.

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