David Dimbleby is to step down from Question Time after 25 years, as the BBC fires the starting gun on the race for its most prestigious hosting job.

The corporation has announced Dimbleby will leave the political debate programme at the end of the year to return to his “first love” of reporting, following his 80th birthday.

The BBC will come under heavy pressure to promote a woman into the senior role, with Kirsty Wark and Kirsty Young both being linked with the job in recent weeks.

The search for a new presenter comes after the BBC gender pay gap scandal, which saw an embarrassing disparity between the salaries commanded by senior men and high-profile women at the corporation.

Dimbleby’s own salary was not published, under a loophole which meant shows made by independent production companies, such as Question Time, were exempt, but he is thought to be among the BBC's highest earners.