DAVID DIMBLEBY is to leave Question Time after 25 years on the BBC’s flagship political programme.

The presenter, who will depart the show at the end of the year, said it was “the right moment” to do so.

Now 79, he has chaired the programme since 1994, but he insisted he was “not giving up broadcasting” and planned “to return to my first love: reporting”.

Question Time has had only three main hosts, beginning with Robin Day in 1979, before Peter Sissons took over in 1989 and was replaced by Dimbleby.

BBC director general Tony Hall called the outgoing host “a titan in British broadcasting”.

Lord Hall added: “David has been at the helm of Question Time for more than 25 years – a brilliant champion of the public and the audience’s friend, getting 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 are, to say the least, interesting times politically and socially. We look forward to working with him on other projects in the future.”

Dimbleby, who began his broadcasting career more than 57 years ago, is the longest-serving presenter of Question Time.

He has also been the BBC’s anchorman for all general elections since 1979, as well as the chief commentator for a host of state occasions, including the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales in September 1997.

In 1975 he presented the BBC’s coverage of the first referendum in Europe, a role he took on again in 2016 for the BBC’s coverage of the EU Referendum.

Speaking about his time at the helm of Question Time, he said it had been “exhilarating following the twists and turns of British politics”, adding: “It has been a privilege to work for a programme that brings voters face to face with those in power.”

His final broadcast on Question Time will be on December 13.

In an interview last month, Scots broadcaster Kirsty Wark revealed she would “throw her hat in the ring” if Dimbleby retired.

Other potential successors include John Humphrys, Huw Edwards, Nicky Campbell, Nick Robinson and Jeremy Vine, while Kirsty Young has also recently been linked with

the job.