Jason Manford has resigned from his role as presenter of BBC One's The One Show after admitting to exchanging sexually explicit messages with female fans on Twitter. The comedian, who took over the show just three months ago, said he was stepping down to focus on his family and tour commitments.
In a statement, Manford's agent Katie Phillips confirmed the resignation, saying the 29-year-old wanted to leave 'to ease the situation surrounding newspaper allegations'. Manford himself told The Sun: 'I have only myself to blame. I have never felt so low.'
The BBC accepted Manford's decision, with a spokesperson stating: 'We have got nothing to say except that we accept Jason's decision.' The One Show will not air tonight due to the Children in Need telethon, but Matt Baker will guest present from Monday to Wednesday next week, with Chris Evans covering Thursday's show.
Manford, who is married with two children, apologised earlier this month after allegations emerged that he had exchanged Twitter messages with a 22-year-old female fan. He said: 'I can see now that what started out as a bit of messing about and having a laugh on Twitter has been misjudged.'
The comedian, who has over 200,000 Twitter followers, last presented The One Show on Wednesday. He is due to perform two sold-out shows at Newcastle City Hall tonight. Fans reacted on Twitter, with one user writing: 'I know Jason Manford is in the wrong, majorly. But he always seemed like such a nice guy. Makes it even more sad really.'
