The show will also feature journalist Rod Liddle as team captain, alongside author and broadcaster Alan Coren.

The new series of the programme, where contestants try to guess the definition of a little-known word, will be broadcast in the spring in a lunchtime slot.

How it was: Call My Bluff in 1982

"Call My Bluff is a very popular show with the BBC's daytime audience," said the corporation's daytime controller Alison Sharman.

"I'm delighted to announce this exciting, new line-up, which I'm sure will bring a new feel to an already successful show," she said.

Bruce, who has presented BBC One's main news bulletins, also works on the channel's Crimewatch programme.

She will replace current host Bob Holness.

Rod Liddle takes over from team captain Sandy Toksvig

Liddle was editor of BBC Radio 4's Today programme. But he also gained a reputation as a controversial columnist in The Guardian, which led him to step down last year.

He now also writes columns for current affairs weekly The Spectator and Country Life.

Liddle takes over from team captain Sandy Toksvig.

The programme started in October 1965, with Robin Ray as chair and Robert Morley and Frank Muir as team captains.

Frank Muir later went on to host the show.

Alan Coren has been a team captain on the show since 1996.