The new host of Question Time is to be decided through a series of pilot shows, with a mostly female shortlist of presenters lined up to replace David Dimbleby.
Newsnight presenter Emily Maitlis and Today programme anchor Mishal Husain are understood to be among those being asked to try out in front of an audience in London for one of the most high-profile roles in political broadcasting.
In what some internally have dubbed ‘Question Time Idol’, the pilots will be filmed but not broadcast. The trials are designed to give the corporation the chance to see how the presenters fare in a live setting similar to that of the flagship BBC1 show.
One source said some junior politicians are due to be involved as panellists to ensure that the candidates are given the chance to show their chairing skills in as similar a situation as possible to the real show.
Also said to be on the BBC’s shortlist are Maitlis and Husain’s colleagues, Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark and Today programme anchor Nick Robinson.
The BBC is also believed to have been interested in ITV News presenter Julie Etchingham, who received plaudits for hosting the rival channel’s leaders’ debate during the general election.
According to sources, the BBC will begin the pilots within the next few days, with one source saying next weekend has also been earmarked for further filming.
The BBC asked for expressions of interest from candidates before deciding to trial them in order to whittle down the shortlist. It is said to be looking not only for someone with political experience, but someone who has general BBC1 appeal.
There have been calls for the corporation to appoint a woman to the role, which would be a first for Question Time since its launch in 1979.
Other names that have been mooted during the process include 5Live presenter Emma Barnett, who co-hosts ITV current affairs series After the News, and Victoria Derbyshire, whose BBC News morning show has received plaudits. Desert Island Discs host Kirsty Young was also considered a leading candidate until she decided to take a break due to fibromyalgia.
Prior to Dimbleby, Question Time was fronted by Robin Day and Peter Sissons.
Dimbleby announced in June that he was stepping down as host after 25 years in the role, during which time it has flourished and attracted younger audiences. His final episode will air on 13 December.
He has become something of a cult figure during his tenure, attracting parody Twitter accounts and inspiring the name ‘Dimblebot’ and Dimbledance competition online.
One insider said: “The BBC has tried to keep the pilots confidential, but that’s difficult when they will have an audience. It’s all become very secretive. But there is pressure to get it right. Whoever steps into David Dimbleby’s shoes knows they are big shoes to fill.”
The BBC said it would not comment while the recruitment process was still ongoing.
