Question Time host David Dimbleby replacement contenders 'mostly female'

The new host will be decided through a series of pilot shows in front of a live audience in London, which will be filmed but not broadcast

Emily Maitlis and Victoria Derbyshire are currently in shortlist of candidates for the role of Question Time host (Getty Images)

A shortlist of presenters has been drawn up in the search for a replacement for David Dimbleby as the new host of Question Time, with the candidates mostly consisting of women.

The Guardian has reported that Newsnight presenters Emily Maitlis and Kirsty Wark, alongside Today programme anchors Mishal Husain and Nick Robinson, are among those currently being considered for the prestigious role.

The new host will be decided through a series of pilot shows in front of a live audience in London, which will be filmed but not broadcast.

This will give the BBC an opportunity to see how the presenters would fare in the usual Question Time format. A source said some junior politicians will be involved as panellists to ensure candidates will be tested on their chairing skills.

Other reported candidates are ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham, 5Live's Emma Barnett, and BBC2 morning news host Victoria Derbyshire. Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young was also considered a leading candidate until she announced her break due to her fibromyalgia.

If a woman is appointed to the role, it would be a first for Question Time, which launched in 1979. Prior to Dimbleby, the programme was hosted by Robin Day and Peter Sissons.

Dimbleby announced in June that he was stepping down as host after 25 years in the role, with his final episode set to air on 13 December.

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