Manford confirmed as new 'One Show' host

[dutchman]

Jason Manford has been announced as the new co-host of The One Show.

The 29-year-old comic is to replace Adrian Chiles on the BBC One programme in July, presenting alongside Christine Bleakley from Mondays to Thursdays.

Manford said: "I am thrilled to be part of The One Show team. My dad put £10 at 500/1 that I'd get the job so it just made sense."

BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "Jason looked instantly at home on the One Show sofa. His intelligence and humour strike just the right tone for the programme and he is an exciting addition to the team."

Meanwhile, the show's editor Sandy Smith commented: "Jason's strength is his likeability, his natural warmth and his quick wit. He's intelligent and curious about the sort of subjects discussed every day on The One Show and is equally at home with the light-hearted and the serious issues."

Chiles defected from the BBC to ITV last month after a row ensued over the controversial appointment of Chris Evans, who will front the programme's Friday editions.