Some memorable moments from David Dimbleby's tenure as Question Time host
David Dimbleby is to leave Question Time after 25 years on the BBC's flagship political programme.
The presenter, who will leave the present on the finish of the yr, mentioned it was "the right moment to leave".
The 79-year-old, who has chaired the present since 1994, insisted he was "not giving up broadcasting" however deliberate "to return to my first love: reporting".
BBC director common Tony Hall known as him "a titan in British broadcasting" and a "champion of the public".
Dimbleby, who started his broadcasting profession greater than 57 years in the past, is the longest-serving presenter of Question Time.
In addition, he has been the BBC's anchorman for all common elections since 1979, in addition to the chief commentator for a lot of state events together with the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in September 1997.
In 1975 he offered the BBC's protection of the primary referendum in Europe, a function he repeated in 2016 for the BBC's protection of the EU Referendum.
Speaking about his quarter of a century on the helm of Question Time, he mentioned it had been "exhilarating following the twists and turns of British politics".
"It has been a privilege to work for a programme which brings voters face to face with those in power," he mentioned.
The present has hosted lots of Britain's most distinguished politicians, in addition to contributors as various as Russell Brand and BNP chief Nick Griffin.
Last yr noticed him throw out one member of the viewers after they repeatedly interrupted panel members throughout a Question Time version filmed in Plymouth.
He additionally revealed a much less severe aspect, when it was reported that on the age of 75 he had received his first tattoo, of a scorpion, to characterize his star signal.
Paying tribute, Lord Hall mentioned: "David has been at the helm of Question Time for over 25 years: a brilliant champion of the public and the audience's friendgetting the answers they want on the big and difficult issues of the day."
"Always a commanding figure, David has ensured Question Time has not only stayed relevant through the years, but a must watch for those interested in politics and current affairs."
"The BBC and the public are extraordinarily lucky to have him in what areto say the leastinteresting times politically and socially. We look forward to working with him on other projects in the future."
Dimbleby's last broadcast on Question Time will probably be on 13 December 2018however there isn't a phrase but on a successor.
Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark not too long ago revealed she could be eager about taking up the function and would "throw her hat in the ring" when Dimbleby stepped down.
Other prompt contenders embody John Humphrys, Huw Edwards, Jeremy Vine and Nick Robinson.
It isn't recognized how a lot Dimbleby is paid for his function as a result of Question Time is made by an unbiased manufacturing firm, which means his wage didn't seem in final yr's checklist of high paid BBC stars.
Recent experiences within the Telegraph speculated that he was paid £450,000 every year by the company.
Question Time has been on air for practically 40 years. It was initially chaired by Robin Day (1979-89) and later by Peter Sissons (1989-93).