New One Show host revealed

Comedian Jason Manford will replace Adrian Chiles...

17:09 27 May 2010

The new face to co-host BBC's 'The One Show' has been announced.

Fighting off stiff competition from the likes of Richard Hammond, Chris Hollins, Andrew Castle, Matt Baker and Richard Madeley, comedian Jason Manford will be the one to join co-host Christine Bleakley.

The Lancashire-born funny man has seen his profile rise in the last year, with appearances on comedy panel shows such as Channel 4's '8 Out of 10 Cats' and BBC1's 'As Seen On TV'.

Manford, an award-winning comedian, television and radio presenter will join the team in July when he will co-host the show with Bleakley from Monday to Thursday.

The 29-year-old who is renowned for his cheeky observational humour and friendly approach, said of the news: "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."

Controller of BBC One Jay Hunt said: "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."

Stand-up Manford is also the voice of the Churchill car insurance adverts and last year presented 'Jason Manford and Friends', a two-part series showcasing the cream of the comedy acts from the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe.

Not Editor at 'The One Show' Sandy Smith said the team are thrilled to have Manford on board: "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."

According to reports, Manford will be getting a fraction of Chiles' £1million-a-year salary, with Corporation sources confirming it was "not a six-figure deal" – while Bleakley is reported to be on around £120,000.

Chiles left The One Show in April after becoming infuriated by BBC plans to bring Evans in to host the Friday night show, before being snapped up by ITV in a £6 million four-year deal.