Navigating the world of
crossword clues
can sometimes feel like a delightful linguistic treasure hunt. Each clue presents a unique challenge, a tiny puzzle box demanding just the right key. Some clues rely on wordplay, others on anagrams, but a significant number tap into our general knowledge – our collective memory of famous faces, places, and events. These general knowledge
crossword clues
are often my favourite, as they blend the intellectual rigour of word-solving with a satisfying “aha!” moment of recognition.
Today, we’re zeroing in on a classic example of this type of general knowledge
crossword clue
: “___ Bruce,
Question Time
host (5)”. This immediately transports us to the heart of British current affairs, to a programme that has become an institution, a national forum for debate and discussion.
Question Time
, for those unfamiliar, is the BBC’s flagship political debate programme. It airs weekly, typically on Thursday evenings, bringing together a panel of politicians, commentators, and public figures to answer questions from a live studio audience. The show is known for its often-heated exchanges, its direct engagement with public concerns, and its role in holding those in power to account. It’s a cornerstone of political discourse in the UK, a place where policy meets public opinion head-on.
The host of
Question Time
plays a pivotal role, demanding a unique set of skills. They must be impartial, astute, and capable of managing robust debates while ensuring all voices are heard – or, at least, have the opportunity to be heard. They need to be quick-witted, knowledgeable, and possess an unflappable temperament to steer the conversation through potentially contentious waters. The individual hinted at in this particular
crossword clue
perfectly embodies these qualities.
This celebrated broadcaster took the helm of
Question Time
in 2019, following a long and distinguished career that had already established them as one of the BBC’s most respected and versatile presenters. Before stepping into the
Question Time
hot seat, this individual was a familiar face on national news bulletins, having anchored various programmes including the
BBC News at Six
and the
BBC News at Ten
. Their journalistic background provided a solid foundation for the demanding role of moderating live political debate. Beyond news and current affairs, this multi-talented presenter has also been a much-loved face on other popular BBC shows, further cementing their place in the national consciousness. Their ability to switch seamlessly between serious journalistic inquiry and lighter, more entertainment-focused programming is a testament to their broad appeal and professional skill.
For many
crossword clue
enthusiasts, particularly those with an interest in media and current events, this clue is likely to be a straightforward solve. However, for others, the number of letters (five) combined with the common surname “Bruce” might require a moment of thought. It’s a clever way to test not just your recognition of the individual, but also your recall of their specific role and their first name’s length.
When tackling a
crossword clue
like this, especially one involving a famous person, consider these tips:
1.
Context is Key:
The mention of
Question Time
immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly. Think about who is most famously associated with that role.
2.
Letter Count:
The “(5)” tells you exactly how many letters are in the first name. This is crucial for verification.
3.
Elimination:
If you’re unsure, try to think of other prominent “Bruce” surnames in the public eye and see if any have a five-letter first name that fits the context.
4.
Common Knowledge:
Is this person widely known enough to be a common
crossword clue
? Absolutely.
This type of clue is a perfect blend of general knowledge and precise letter-fitting, a hallmark of what makes
crossword clues
so engaging. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest questions require us to delve into our mental archives of everyday information.
Did this specific
crossword clue
trip you up, or was it a breeze? Share your solving strategies for name-based clues in the comments below!
<img class="center-pic" src="https://crossword-clue.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Bruce-iQuestion-Timei-host-5.jpg" alt="___ Bruce, Question Time host (5)” width=”594″ height=”36″>
Available Answers:
FIONA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Saturday, 12 July 2025