Follows a health ‘wake-up call’ after ‘cramming’ too much stuff in

Journalist and BBC newsreader Fiona Bruce had to pull out of a TV appearance on The One Show recently, due to a bout of ill health.

She paid tribute to Question Time audience recruiter Alison Fuller during a broadcast of the show earlier this year. Alison worked on the program for 27 years.

The mum-of-two hired a live-in nanny for two decades, to help with her kids. She helped a lot, but Fiona has expressed regret at not spending enough time with her children.

And she has talked about working herself too hard – to the extent that she has made herself ill. Which brings us back round to her calling in sick to The One Show earlier this month…

Fiona Bruce looking upset on Question Time
Fiona Bruce paid tribute to Alison Fuller on Question Time earlier this year (Credit: BBC)

Fiona Bruce had to cancel The One Show appearance due to ill health

Hosts Roman Kemp and Alex Jones welcomed Fake or Fortune expert Philip Mould into The One Show studio for a broadcast in early August.

He was due to appear alongside Fiona Bruce, who hosts Fake or Fortune. But she was absent.

“We do have to say, Fiona Bruce was meant to be here tonight alongside you, Philip, but unfortunately, she’s not feeling too well. We wish her all the best,” Roman explained.

Fiona Bruce standing under an umbrella
Alongside Fake or Fortune, Fiona Bruce continues to host Antiques Roadshow, a show she has presented since 2008 (Credit: BBC)

‘Well, there has been a few’

Speaking back in 2019, the 60 year old admitted that she previously tried to “cram” too much into her schedule – which ultimately led to disastrous consequences.

“I have had years when I’ve tried to cram more things in. I had one year, five or six years ago, where I just became ill. Physically, I just couldn’t do it all. I wasn’t seriously ill but it was a bit of a wake-up call. I remember thinking that I just felt too tired so I became more judicious about what I chose to do and not do,” she then added.

Fiona concluded: “I feel that someone in my position should do as much of that as they can. I think I’ve slightly over-stretched myself on that front along with my BBC work, so I’m trying to be more sensible on both fronts about managing my time.”