Bruce to host Antiques Roadshow

Bruce has hosted three series of BBC Two's The Antiques Show

TV newsreader Fiona Bruce is to take over as presenter of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow, with Michael Aspel leaving next spring after eight years on-air.

Aspel, 74, will depart as the programme marks its 30th anniversary on-air and said this was "a good time" to go.

Bruce, currently seen on Crimewatch and BBC One's Ten O'Clock News, said it was "a dream come true" to be taking over a series which she watched regularly.

The show sees experts valuing art and other objects belonging to the public.

Aspel said he had "travelled many thousands of miles and met some wonderful people" while recording around the UK.

"I've been in television for 50 years and have a very tidy mind, so it's great to finish on an anniversary, and while I am feeling totally fulfilled," he said.

Bruce has hosted three series of BBC Two's The Antiques Show

His successor has been with the BBC for 18 years, starting as a researcher on the current affairs show Panorama.

As well as her newsreading commitments, the 43-year-old has also presented three series of The Antiques Show for BBC Two.

Peter Fincham, the controller of BBC One, promised that Bruce would "bring a new and fresh tone" to one of the BBC longest-running factual programmes.

There have been more than 500 episodes of Antiques Roadshow, recorded in 420 venues.

Aspel said he had "no immediate plans" to host any other TV programme.

"But that doesn't mean I won't be back if an interesting project comes along," he added.