BBC 'fears Fiona Bruce will quit'

BBC bosses fear that Fiona Bruce could leave the corporation in favour of a lucrative contract with Sky, it has been claimed.

According to the Daily Express, executives are aware that the newsreader has "admirers" at the rival broadcaster and believe they may soon pounce because she is facing a pay cut.

It is believed that Bruce's £800,000-per-year salary will soon be slashed by up to 40% as part of the BBC's ongoing attempts to drive down costs.

A source told the newspaper: "Fiona has her fans at Sky and could soon be made an offer she might find difficult to refuse."

Bruce currently fronts the BBC News at Ten and Antiques Roadshow.