David Dimbleby 'may be replaced' as BBC anchor for next general election, report claims
The BBC is considering replacing long-standing host David Dimbleby with Huw Edwards or Jeremy Paxman for the next general election, according to a report in the Guardian.
The paper claims 'a question mark hangs' over whether Dimbleby, who has been the BBC's election anchor since 1979, will host the corporation's coverage the next time the nation goes to the polls.
It adds that the BBC executives have been 'unusually reticent' about Dimbleby and his role, fuelling speculation that new director general Tony Hall, and director of news James Harding, may want a new face in place as part of their plans to modernise the BBC.
Despite his age, the 74-year-old Dimbleby was celebrated for pulling an 18-hour shift during the last general election. But Edwards, a potential successor, took over presenting duties for the local elections in May this year.
A BBC spokesperson said it was "far too early to comment" on its plans for an election night two years away.