BBC star Kirsty Wark details mistake she avoided during legendary Newsnight career

Newsnight legend Kirsty Wark has been reflecting on her illustrious career as she prepares to receive the BAFTA Fellowship at next month's Television Awards.

The 70-year-old Scottish presenter and journalist is being recognised for her "trailblazing" three-decade stint at the helm of Newsnight, where she held numerous politicians and public figures accountable.

In a statement, Kirsty said: "Television has been my home for 40 years... I continue to learn every day from people with awe-inspiring skills who have become treasured colleagues and dear friends."

After stepping down from her role on the BBC Two show last July, she began presenting editions of Radio 4's Front Row from Scotland.

Speaking to , Kirsty explained that it was a "huge surprise" and a "great honour" to receive the prestigious BAFTA award.

"I'd be surprised if this was an award you can get before you're 50. I'm way over that now," she said.

"I'm still looking forward in my career, but I think this is one for looking back at the different things I've done and the way I've learned and the people I've worked with."

Discussing her renowned interview style, Kirsty revealed a significant error she's managed to avoid throughout her career.

"My favourite interviews are when you allow people the dignity to say their points of view and you're not being intrusive," she said, reports .

"The thing I hate most about presenters is when they grandstand. In tricky situations, I want to bring a compassion and a rigour. My role is to help people tell their stories."

Looking ahead at the future of the BBC, Kirsty expressed her desire for a female director general to take the helm of the corporation, though she clarified that she isn't pushing for Tim Davie to step down immediately.

"I'm not saying, 'Tim, go now,' but I think it's time for a woman," she affirmed.

"The BBC has so many other ways it's on the front foot - technology, iPlayer, BBC audio and other things - and I would really love to see a woman take hold of that."

Newsnight is available to stream on BBC iPlayer