Radio 2 lines up Vanessa Feltz for early breakfast show

Vanessa Feltz is the frontrunner to take over the BBC Radio 2 early breakfast show vacated by Sarah Kennedy . Feltz currently presents a morning phone-in on BBC London 94.9 and has been targeted by Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan to take over his station's early morning slot, MediaGuardian.co.uk can reveal. Kennedy left Radio 2 after 17 years in September, dismissing suggestions that her departure was due to a drink problem. Feltz's most high-profile BBC show to date was her BBC1 morning chatshow which came to an end in 1999 because of a fake guest scandal . She has presented a show on BBC London 94.9 since 2003, winning a Sony gold award last year for speech broadcaster of the year . Her most famous TV appearance was as a contestant on the first series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 . She returned to the reality show this year as a contestant on its final Channel 4 incarnation, Ultimate Big Brother . Feltz is the frontrunner for the Radio 2 slot, but her appointment is yet to be confirmed by the station. A Radio 2 spokeswoman said: "Radio 2 will announce the name of the early morning breakfast show presenter in the near future." The Radio 2 early morning slot is a key part of the Radio 2 schedule, running from 5am to 6.30am when it hands over to breakfast host Chris Evans . Shennan said last month that he was keen to have more women presenters on the station. "It is something I am acutely aware of," Shennan told the Radio Festival . "Am I conscious of the need to ensure the gender balance is addressed? Yes." • 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".