Jason Manford confirmed as new co-presenter on The One Show

Jason Manford will replace Adrian Chiles as Christine Bleakley's co-presenter on The One Show, the BBC confirmed today. Manford, the comedian and presenter, will join the show in July, co-hosting with Bleakley Monday to Thursday. Chris Evans is joining the show as Friday co-presenter with Bleakley – a move that prompted Chiles to quit the BBC last month for ITV . 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." Jay Hunt, BBC1 controller, 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." Manford, 29, moved into broadcasting after starting out as a stand-up comedian. His TV presenting credits include Channel 4's late-night satirical show Tonightly and Comedy Shuffle for BBC3. Manford has also been a team captain on Channel 4 panel show 8 out of 10 Cats. He has hosted the Xfm Manchester breakfast show and last year fronted Jason Manford and Friends, showcasing comedy acts from the 2009 Edinburgh fringe, for Radio 2. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".