Jason Manford to take over from Adrian Chiles on The One Show

Comedian Jason Manford will step into Adrian Chiles's shoes on The One Show, the BBC announced today.

The panel show regular will join Christine Bleakley to present the flagship BBC1 magazine programme.

He will join the team in July, the corporation said, and will co-host the show from Monday to Thursday.

Others who had been thought to be in the frame included Matt Allwright and Matt Baker.

Chiles made an emotional farewell to viewers last month in his final appearance on The One Show.

The presenter has defected to ITV in a deal which sees him heading to the GMTV sofa and fronting a range of shows including football coverage.

Chiles had appeared on the BBC1 weekday magazine programme since 2007, co-presenting with Myleene Klass when the show first hit TV screens.

During his tenure, Chiles dressed as James Bond, broke a kissing record, was caned on his backside and donned a pair of high heels.

He was thought to have agreed a £6 million contract over four years with ITV after becoming disenchanted by the BBC's decision to replace him with Chris Evans on The One Show on Friday nights.