Fiona Bruce was visibly moved during an episode of Question Time as she shared the devastating news of a colleague’s sudden passing with the audience. The beloved show producer, who played a pivotal role behind the scenes for nearly three decades, tragically died after a brief illness. “I just want to say before we go,” Fiona started, before emotion overtook her, leading to a heartfelt “Oh my gosh.” She went on: “One of Question Time’s longest serving producers, Alison Fuller, she’s worked on this show for 27 years. She was responsible for recruiting audiences like you. We reckon she’s spoken to well over I think 100,000 audience members in that time.” Regaining her composure, Fiona added, “It was a very short and sudden illness and we were all shocked by her death and we miss her very much. I just want to send my love to Ally’s family.”
Fiona paid tribute to her colleague on Question Time
(Image: BBC)
Alison’s career at the BBC spanned more than 30 years, starting as a freelancer, then joining the prominent politics show. Question Time, known for its dynamic public engagements with politicians, is broadcast on BBC One every Thursday at 10:45 pm, reports the Mirror. Fiona took over hosting duties in January 2019 after David Dimbleby stepped down from the helm following 25 years. As the first woman to permanently chair the programme, Bruce has become a fixture in British homes since taking on the role. The star was over the moon when she landed the role, saying: “It is an honour to be asked to take on one of the great political programmes of the BBC. Particularly at a time of such historic change for the UK and tumult at Westminster.” She added, “For many years Question Time has been presented by one of my television heroes, so I am thrilled and not a little daunted to be stepping into his shoes. But it is a programme I have watched for as long as I can remember and have long wanted to be part of. I can’t wait to get started.”
Fiona also presents Antique Roadshow
(Image: BBC Studios / Anna Gordon)
Reflecting on her experience in May 2020, she admitted: “QT is without doubt the hardest job I’ve ever done.” Fiona also presents Antiques Roadshow, and she revealed one scene had been cut from a broadcast as it would have been “too cruel” to air, after a guest was heartbreakingly informed his ‘antique’ was actually a supermarket bottle. Chatting to The Guardian, Fiona explained how one gentleman had come to the show to get a valuation of a unique glass bottle that he purchased for £1,000 at an antiques shop. Initially hoping for a high estimate, the guest was utterly devastated when the it was discovered to actually be a Tesco olive oil bottle, circa 2008 – worth nothing at all! Although the news would no doubt have sent viewers howling with laughter, it was decided that it would be “too cruel” to air by show bosses. Fiona said: “I suppose we could have broadcast it – but it was just too cruel. The guy was devastated. There’s a tiny bit of my brain that realises it would have made great television.”
