Fiona Bruce breaks down in tears announcing death of question time legend
BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce was overcome with emotion during the closing moments of Thursday’s Question Time as she announced the sudden passing of her colleague and former producer, Alison Fuller. The 60-year-old presenter struggled to hold back tears as she paid tribute to Fuller, who had dedicated nearly three decades to the programme.
As the show drew to a close, Bruce addressed the audience with a trembling voice: ‘That is all for this week. I just want to say before we go, that very sadly last week, we lost a well-loved presenter.’ Pausing momentarily to compose herself, she added, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to go as well.’
Bruce then highlighted fuller’s immense contribution to Question time: ‘One of question time’s longest-serving producers, Alison Fuller, worked on this programme for something like 27 years. She was responsible for recruiting audiences like you, and we reckon she spoke to well over 100,000 audience members in that time.’
Fuller’s passing came as a shock to her colleagues, with Bruce confirming that her death followed a very short and sudden illness. ‘We are all shocked by her death, and we miss her very much. I just want to send my love to Ali’s family,’ she said.
Alison fuller’s impact on question time
Fuller had been a key figure behind the scenes at Question Time since September 1998, playing a crucial role in shaping the programme’s discussions by ensuring a diverse and representative audience. Her meticulous approach to audience selection helped maintain the show’s reputation as a platform for balanced and thought-provoking debates.
Her colleagues at the BBC have expressed their devastation at her sudden passing, with tributes pouring in from those who had worked closely with her. Fuller’s ability to engage with people from all walks of life made her an invaluable member of the Question Time team, and her absence will be deeply felt.
An emotional episode of question time
Thursday’s episode was particularly poignant for viewers, not only because of Bruce’s heartfelt tribute to Fuller but also due to an emotional moment involving a Ukrainian refugee in the audience. The debate, held in london, focused on the ongoing russian invasion of Ukraine, and one woman’s account of her personal struggle left many in tears.
Breaking down as she spoke, the refugee said, ‘My parents live on the frontline. I wish I could see my family all together because they are separated in occupied territory.’ Her heartfelt words moved both the panel and audience, with many expressing their sorrow and support on social media.
Journalist Peter Stefanovic described the moment as ‘powerful and heartbreaking’ on X (formerly Twitter), while another user, @beez104, wrote: ‘Heartbreaking. I’d be beside myself. She and her fellow Ukrainians are so brave.’ Another user, @JasonTendring, simply added, ‘Someone please give her a hug.’
Question time panel discussion
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The panel for the evening included General Sir Nick Carter, Lesia Vasylenko, Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds, former Defence secretary sir Ben Wallace, and republican commentator Jan Halper-Hayes. The discussion focused heavily on the war in Ukraine, with the audience engaged in a deep and often emotional debate about the ongoing crisis and the UK’s role in supporting those affected.
A lasting legacy
Alison Fuller’s contribution to Question Time and the BBC cannot be overstated. Her dedication to ensuring the programme reflected a broad spectrum of voices helped shape many of the country’s most important political debates. Colleagues, past and present, have praised her professionalism, warmth, and commitment to her work.
Her sudden passing is a great loss, not just to those who knew her personally, but to the wider BBC family and the countless individuals she engaged with over the years. As Fiona Bruce so poignantly put it, Fuller will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
