David Dimbleby: Biography, Age, Family, Career & Retirement

There’s a reason David Dimbleby’s voice feels like part of the national furniture. For over 50 years, he anchored some of the BBC’s most-watched political and royal events — from general election nights to the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Born: 28 October 1938 ·
Age: 85 ·
Occupation: Journalist, presenter ·
Notable show: BBC Question Time ·
Spouse: Bel Mooney (1967–2005) ·
Children: 3 (Henry, Liza, Sam)

Nine key biographical details, one pattern: the Dimbleby name is a broadcast dynasty that runs from father Richard through sons David and Jonathan.

What has happened to David Dimbleby?

Is David Dimbleby still working?

David Dimbleby stepped down as host of Question Time in December 2018 after 25 years in the chair (BBC). The BBC announced the departure on 17 June 2018 (Wikipedia). He made clear at the time that he had no intention of retiring from broadcasting altogether — an August 2018 report quoted him as planning to return to frontline reporting the following year (FemaleFirst (entertainment news)).

What did he do after Question Time?

Since leaving the political debate show, Dimbleby has taken on a series of BBC documentary projects. He narrated and presented A Picture of Britain, How We Built Britain, and Seven Ages of Britain (BBC). In September 2022 he returned to live commentary for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (Wikipedia). He has also continued to narrate the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in 2023 and 2024 (Wikipedia).

Is David Dimbleby still alive?

Yes. David Dimbleby is alive as of this writing. Born 28 October 1938, he turned 85 in 2023 (BBC).

The implication: Dimbleby’s post-Question Time career proves that stepping away from one anchor role does not mean leaving broadcasting entirely.

Are Jonathan and David Dimbleby related?

Who is Jonathan Dimbleby?

Jonathan Dimbleby, born in 1944, is a broadcaster and writer — best known for hosting BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? and presenting political documentaries (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)). He is David’s younger brother.

What is the Dimbleby family?

The Dimbleby family is often called a broadcasting dynasty. David and Jonathan are the sons of Richard Dimbleby, the legendary BBC commentator who covered the coronation of Elizabeth II and countless state occasions. Their grandfather, Frederick “Fred” Dimbleby, was a journalist and author (YouTube (media interview)).

Who is Fred Dimbleby?

Frederick “Fred” Dimbleby (1875–1948) was a newspaper editor and the father of Richard Dimbleby. He worked as a war correspondent and later edited the Daily Mail’s financial pages. David Dimbleby is therefore the third generation of a family steeped in journalism (Wikipedia).

The pattern: the Dimbleby family has shaped BBC public affairs coverage for three generations, linking analogue reporting to digital news cycles.

Who was David Dimbleby’s first wife?

Who is Bel Mooney?

Bel Mooney is a British journalist and author. She married David Dimbleby in 1967 and the couple had three children together: Henry, Liza, and Sam. They divorced in 2005 (Wikipedia). Mooney built a successful career as a columnist and writer, including a long stint at the Daily Mail.

Is Bel Mooney still married?

Bel Mooney has not remarried after her divorce from David Dimbleby. She has spoken publicly about their separation and her subsequent life as a single woman, but no further marriages are recorded (Wikipedia).

Who is Jemima Lewis’ husband?

Jemima Lewis is a journalist and author married to Henry Dimbleby, the eldest son of David Dimbleby and Bel Mooney. Henry is best known as a co-founder of the restaurant chain Leon and for leading the UK government’s National Food Strategy. Jemima Lewis and Henry Dimbleby have children together (Wikipedia (encyclopedia)).

“I’m not retiring — I’m just giving up the one programme. I want to go back to reporting … that’s where my roots are.”

— David Dimbleby, quoted in August 2018 (FemaleFirst)

Timeline: David Dimbleby’s career and life

• 1938 – Born in London (BBC)
• 1960s – Joined BBC as news reporter in Bristol after university (BBC)
• 1967 – Married Bel Mooney
• 1979 – Began presenting BBC general election programmes (BBC)
• 1994 – Became host of Question Time (BBC)
• 1997 – Commentated at funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales (BBC)
• 2005 – Divorced Bel Mooney
• 2018 – Announced departure from Question Time (17 June); last episode aired December 2018 (Wikipedia)
• 2022 – Commentated at state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (Wikipedia)
• 2023–2024 – Narrated National Service of Remembrance (Wikipedia)

The catch: Dimbleby’s timeline shows that even after leaving his flagship show, he remains a sought‑after voice for the nation’s biggest moments.

What is confirmed — and what remains unclear

The implication: while the broad strokes of Dimbleby’s life are well‑documented, a few personal and financial details remain private.

Frequently asked questions

For the BBC, Dimbleby represents a rare continuity — a broadcaster who linked the analogue age with the digital news cycle. For younger viewers who discovered him on YouTube clips of classic Question Time confrontations, the implication is clear: the calm, authoritative voice that guided Britain through 25 years of political drama is still available for the biggest national events.

Related reading:

• George VI: The Reluctant King Who Led Britain Through War — Dimbleby commentated on royal events across decades; this biography offers context on the monarch he helped frame for viewers.
• Claudia Winkleman: Why She Really Has That Heavy Fringe — Another BBC personality profile, showing how household-name presenters navigate public life and personal style.