John Simpson: Why BBC 'ancients' are having new young families

Veteran broadcaster John Simpson today explained the reasons behind a number of BBC newsmen marrying younger women and starting new families in their advancing years.

The world affairs editor, 66, has a five-year-old son, Rafe, by wife Dee Kruger, 19 years his junior.

BBC heavyweights David Dimbleby, 72, John Humphrys, 67, Jonathan Dimbleby, 66, and Gavin Esler, 58, also have new families.

Mr Simpson explained: "In TV, you get these ancient animals and they work with younger people. Then you get involved - my wife was my producer - and when you have a younger wife it wouldn't be fair not to let her have a child."

On fatherhood, he said: "I can't say I was hugely enthusiastic until the kid came along.

"Then I realised what a joy it was. I can't look at him without thinking what a wonderful bit of luck it is to have him."

He joked: "I don't think it's about needing to drink the blood of young virgins. Actually, I'm not sure about Humphrys."