Why The One Show struck gold with Jason Manford

Tuesday, 17th August 2010

BBC chiefs made a bold decision to choose a comedian like Jason Manford to be the long term replacement for Adrian Chiles on The One Show.

Normally a stand-up comic and TV show panellist, Manford had only fronted one previous programme, over two years ago - Channel 4's satirical news programme Tonightly.

But if viewing figures for the first night of the Manchester funny man's stint as host of BBC's flagship weekday evening gig are anything to go by, he looks to have been the right man for the job.

Yesterday's eagerly-anticipated debut for Manford and fellow One Show newbie Alex Jones, was watched by an average of 4.5 million viewers (a 23.5 per cent share).

The equivalent Monday last year, August 17, attracted over a million viewers less, at 3.3 million (18.1 per cent).

But viewing figures aside, it was clear to see that Manford was at home on The One Show sofa the from the outset.

His chirpy boy next door character made it feel like you were watching one of your mates presenting.

He even opened last night's show with a down to earth quip: "This could go either way," he said. "Really well, or we'll be escorted off the premises after the show."

Let's hope there is much more dry humour to come!