Former Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker has been confirmed as the new regular host of BBC One's The One Show, starting 14 February. The 33-year-old will co-present the weekday magazine programme alongside Alex Jones from Monday to Thursday, while Chris Evans continues to host the Friday edition.
Baker, who also presents BBC One's Countryfile, won widespread acclaim for his performances on Strictly Come Dancing, where he reached the final last month. The BBC has confirmed that he will continue to present the Sunday evening rural affairs show alongside his new role.
"I'm over the moon to be joining The One Show as a full-time presenter," Baker said. "The BBC has made everything possible so I can also continue presenting Countryfile. It's the ideal combination for me and I can't wait to get started."
Baker replaces Jason Manford, who quit in October 2010 after just three months following a tabloid scandal over lewd messages on Twitter. The One Show, which launched in 2006, regularly attracts over 5 million viewers, peaking at 7.4 million last year.
BBC One controller Danny Cohen praised Baker's experience: "With such a wide range of experience including Blue Peter, Countryfile and Strictly Come Dancing, Matt's perfectly placed to take his place on the One Show sofa alongside Alex Jones."
Baker won two Bafta awards during his seven years on Blue Peter, which he left in 2006. He becomes the show's fifth full-time presenter in less than a year, following the departures of Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley to ITV.
