Temporary stand-in after Chiles leaves

Paul Merton is to guest host BBC One’s The One Show once Adrian Chiles leaves.

The comedian will front the programme alongside Christine Bleakley next Thursday while producers seek a permanent replacement for Chiles, who has defected to GMTV.

Merton is currently at a loose end as Have I Got News For You is on hiatus until election night.

Watchdog presenter Matt Allwright has also been announced as a temporary stand-in.

One source told The Guardian: ‘It's really got to be someone who works well with Christine. There's no rush.’

Published: 27 Apr 2010