Alex and Jason to make One Show debut

Alex Jones and Jason Manford will make their debut on The One Show on Monday night.

Alex and Jason will take to the sofa on BBC One's flagship show with BBC bosses hoping they can recreate the on-screen chemistry of previous hosts Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

Alex, who bears a striking resemblance to Christine, said she was "thrilled to bits" to get the job.

She said: "I watch the show at home every night on my sofa and can't believe I'm now swapping it for The One Show sofa!

"It is the break I have only ever dreamed of and can't believe I'm getting to work with Jason Manford, who I think is just fantastic - it truly is the icing on the cake."

The 32-year-old has been working in television for 10 years but was little known outside her native Wales until recently.

Her co-presenter, Salford comic Jason, said he could not wait to start working with Alex.

One Show editor Sandy Smith said: "It feels right for many reasons to be developing someone new at this time and I hope One Show viewers enjoy seeing her relationship with Jason develop on screen and take her to their heart."

The pair will host the show from Monday to Thursday with Chris Evans taking the place of Jason on Fridays.

The show hit the headlines when Adrian Chiles dramatically announced he was quitting in March after signing a deal with ITV.

Co-host Christine followed him in June after saying she was "torn" between staying with the BBC or joining ITV.

Her hand was forced when the BBC withdrew its offer of a new contract, saying the uncertainty could not continue.

Adrian and Christine, who now share a management company, will front a new early morning ITV show called Daybreak, created by a revamp of GMTV, from September.