Bruce to present 'Antiques Roadshow'

BBC One has announced that Fiona Bruce is to present one of the BBC's longest running factual strands, The Antiques Roadshow.

Bruce will take over when Michael Aspel steps down after the next series in the spring.

Antiques Roadshow gets an average audience of just under 6 million and runs over six months on BBC One, with 26 episodes a year.

Peter Fincham, controller, BBC One, said: "I'm thrilled at the prospect of Fiona Bruce taking over Antiques Roadshow when Michael Aspel steps down after a brilliant run at the end of the year. Michael's a hard act to follow, but Fiona will bring a new and fresh tone and is the perfect choice to start the next chapter in one of BBC One's longest-running success stories."

As well as Aspel, Hugh Scully, Angela Rippon, Arthur Negas and Bruce Parker have also fronted the programme which has broadcast over 500 shows since it began as a documentary series in 1977.

Fiona Bruce, who also presents the BBC's Ten O'Clock News and Crimewatch, said: "I am thrilled to be asked to present The Antiques Roadshow. I have watched it and been a fan since I can remember. My Sunday nights are not complete without watching the programme and it is a dream come true to present it."

Aspel, who celebrates his 50-year anniversary of being on TV this year, says he felt the time was right to "hang up my shoes."