91Èȱ¬

The 91Èȱ¬ today confirmed that Jason Manford will be joining The One Show team to present 91Èȱ¬ One's popular flagship show alongside Christine Bleakley.

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

Lancashire-born Jason, 29, who is renowned for his cheeky observational humour and friendly approach, says: "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 91Èȱ¬ One Jay Hunt says: "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."

Like his fellow presenter Chris Evans, Jason has also presented on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2. Last year, he fronted Jason Manford And Friends, a two-part series showcasing the cream of the comedy acts from the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe.

The One Show Editor Sandy Smith is thrilled to have Jason on board and adds: "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."

Christine and Jason will present the show every Monday to Thursday, with Chris Evans joining Christine every Friday night.

The hugely successful show – which regularly attracts audiences over 5 million viewers – will continue to offer the regular mix of news, current affairs and entertainment alongside some new features and guest slots that will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Notes to Editors

The One Show, which achieved its highest ever ratings this year (7.4 million) and regularly attracts audiences over 5 million, has established itself as essential early evening viewing – combining celebrity guests with topical reports from every corner of the UK.

The One Show first piloted in August 2006. It has played five nights a week since July 9 2007, transmitting 250 shows per year with big name guests including Sir Michael Caine, Bette Midler, Dame Helen Mirren, Liza Minelli and Dolly Parton.

The One Show presenters are supported by a team of regular reporters including Dan Snow, Dominic Littlewood, Michael Mosley, Phil Tufnell, Angellica Bell, John Sergeant, Des Coleman, Ellie Harrison, Anita Rani, Matt Allwright, Gyles Brandreth, Germaine Greer, Dr Sarah Jarvis, Arthur Smith, Simon Boazman, Jay Rayner and Lucy Siegle.

CI2