±«Óãtv

±«Óãtv Radio 2 today announces that Chris Evans will move from hosting Radio 2 Drivetime to presenting the Radio 2 breakfast show from January 2010.

Sir Terry Wogan revealed the news this morning, following his own announcement that he will leave Wake Up To Wogan in the New Year to present a new weekend show on the network.

Chris comments: "This is very much Terry's story not mine, as well it should be.

"To step down from something you have done so well and for so long, and obviously still enjoy doing, must be a tough call even for such a stoic as Sir Tel.

"That said, although I will miss the drivetime show which I have loved for the last three-and-a-bit years, I couldn't be more excited at the prospect of hosting the flagship show on one of the ±«Óãtv's national networks."

Chris first joined Radio 2 in September 2005 as the host of the Saturday afternoon show, moving to Drivetime in April 2006.

Chris subsequently won Sony Music Radio Personality of the Year 2006, 2007 and 2009 and Drivetime won The Entertainment Award for Drivetime in 2007 and 2009.

The show currently reaches an audience of over five million, with Chris's daily blog (http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisevans/) being read by a loyal army of his listeners eager to catch up on the details of his life.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, comments: "Chris is a unique broadcasting talent with a huge passion for Radio 2 and its listeners, as we read every day on his blog.

"Taking over the reins of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show is a daunting task, but I'm 100% certain that Chris will prove himself a worthy successor to Terry's legacy."

This will be Chris's fourth broadcast breakfast show following The Big Breakfast (Channel 4, 1992-94), Virgin Radio (1997-2001) and the Radio 1 Breakfast Show (1995-97).

Chris started his burgeoning broadcasting career in 1983 at Manchester's Piccadilly Radio.

Chris has successfully alternated between radio and television over the years, hosting TFI Friday (Channel 4) and Don't Forget Your Toothbrush (Channel 4) as well as The Brit Awards in 2005 and 2006.

Tim Davie, Director, Audio & Music, ±«Óãtv, comments: "Chris has a huge personality that will shine through at Breakfast on Radio 2.

"I've no doubt that he will open a new chapter in the life of the network and I wish him the very best on his new show in the New Year."

Notes to Editors

Today's instalment of Chris's blog will go live this morning at www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chrisevans.

SH/SH3/SM3/Radio 2 Publicity