Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce shares heartbreaking aspect of job she 'struggles' with

Antiques Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce has openly discussed the emotional difficulties she confronts when delivering poignant news, admitting it can be quite a "struggle."

The experienced BBC Question Time host also touched on the balancing act presenters need to master, recognising the need to "tread a line" to avoid overshadowing the stories.

Fiona, who made history as the first female anchor of the BBC Ten O'Clock News, boasts distinguished career, having been a co-presenter with Huw Edwards on the BBC Six O'Clock News before taking charge.

After four years fronting News at Ten, Fiona decided to step down and return to the 6pm news slot.

During this transition, she was chosen to succeed Michael Aspel as Antiques Roadshow's lead, adding to her notable roles portfolio, including Crimewatch and Question Time stints.

Despite her vast experience presenting hard-hitting programmes, Fiona confided to MailOnline in 2021 that the toll of conveying tragic events never lessens, the Mirror reports.

She reflected: "It's a very big close-up. You need to tread a line between not getting in the way of the story and not being a robot."

When questioned by the publication about whether the news still affects her personally, Fiona candidly replied: "Yesterday I wept listening to testimony by the mother of Sarah Everard [the 33 year old abducted and killed by a serving police officer]. Who wouldn't? "

Antiques Roadshow host Fiona Bruce confessed there are some incidents on the show too tough to share with viewers.

She admitted: "If I'd had to read that on the news I would have struggled. I would have had to rehearse it to make sure my throat didn't catch."

The Antiques Roadshow presenter, who began her career on the BBC show back in 2008, reflected on a past episode in an interview with The Guardian, which was a particularly harsh reality-check.

She explained that a hopeful gentleman, dressed to the nines, presented a supposed antique glass bottle he anticipated should bag £1,000.

However, Andy McConnell, known for his vast knowledge on glasswares, deflated the owner's hopes with his research findings of the so-called 'vintage piece'.

He delivered the bitter truth to the crestfallen guest: "I'm afraid it's an empty olive oil bottle. Tesco, circa 2008. It's worth nothing at all."

Despite revealing how the incident might have sparked chuckles if aired, Fiona felt empathetic towards the downcast guest.

She detailed the man's heartbreak over the disappointment to the paper, explaining: "Now I suppose we could have broadcast it but it was just too cruel. The guy was devastated".

Fiona admitted that a part of her recognised the blunder could have been sensational television, but she emphasised that 'cruelty' is not what her programme is about.

She underscored that the renowned BBC show is not in the business of "humiliating" its contestants, as it goes against its ethos.

Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.