Antiques Roadshow's Fiona Bruce sparks complaints as BBC issues statement

Fiona Bruce on Antiques Roadshow

Fiona Bruce's prominent role on Antiques Roadshow has been defended by the BBC, as some viewers took to Twitter to express their frustration. The trending show, hosted by Fiona Bruce since 2008, is currently replaying on BBC One while new episodes are scheduled for later this year.

However, a small group of fans have complained that she's monopolising the spotlight too much. On Twitter, one disgruntled viewer implored: "When are they going to go the whole hog and rename it Fiona Bruce's Antiques Roadshow? "

Another posted a GIF of people leaving a room, announcing: "Fiona: Time for my favourite part of the show ... everyone else at home:.."

Despite this attention, the BBC reassured fans that Antiques Roadshow will return for its 47th series this summer, with charismatic Fiona Bruce once again presiding. Addressing her excitement for the forthcoming series, Fiona ululated: "A new series of the Antiques Roadshow begins again and I, for one, can't wait."

Further expressing her anticipation, Fiona added: "Travelling the length and breadth of the UK to see what the great British public have pulled out of their attics and off their shelves. I know we'll see items of great quality and value but I'm always drawn in by a moving personal story too. They are what often stick longest in my memory. And I'm determined to improve my record on 'basic, better, best'. Surely I've got to get more of them right this year."

Fiona Bruce on Antiques Roadshow

BBC Studios' series editor Robert Murphy recently stated: "We want the roadshow to be for everyone, and we want to see those special items that mean something to you. Last year we saw a dazzling range of items: jewellery bought for a few pounds at a car boot sale, an Olympic torch, a Rolex that had been through a lawnmower, punk T-shirts, a 2,000-year-old carved stone head, a silver jug used in a royal ritual.", reports the Mirror.

He went on to recall: "And most memorably, a Victoria Cross medal awarded to a Sikh solider in the Second World War that was valued at a quarter of a million pounds. We can't wait to see what treasures you've got to surprise and delight us at this year's shows."

Despite criticism, Fiona Bruce has principally received praise for her role on Antiques Roadshow. In a significant last-year episode, she disclosed that the show's experts refrained from assigning a value to items during a heartfelt tribute.

The heart-stirring episode was shot at London's historic St Thomas's and St Bartholomew's hospitals, where a nurse brought in a touching historical piece.

Fiona informed viewers: "Given the emotional and often moving testimony you'll hear tonight, our experts won't be providing any valuations," and added that "the most humble items will reveal powerful stories. Nurses are there as we enter the world until we leave it, they care for us when we're at our most vulnerable and when we're most in need."

Antiques Roadshow airs Sundays at 8pm on BBC1.