Comics with X factor
Zane and Manford join XFM
Stand-ups Alex Zane and Jason Manford have both landed high-profile new radio jobs, hosting breakfast shows on XFM.Popworld presenter Zane will front the breakfast show on Fridays in London, replacing Shaun Keaveny who quit to join BBC 6 Music.
Meanwhile Manford takes over five days a week in Manchester, replacing another comedian, Paul Tonkinson.
As previously announced, Tonkinson is moving to London to host the afternoon programme from Monday to Thursday from the new year.
The station has a policy of offering a different line-up on Friday to the rest of the week; so Zane’s arrival will not affect Lauren Laverne presenting the London breakfast show from Monday to Thursday.
XFM network programme director Ande Macpherson said Zane was the "obvious choice" for the job as he has previously worked for the station.
‘He's coming back to his radio home and he lives and breathes new music,’ he said. ‘We thought it was about time he got back on air.’
Manford, who has previously filled in for other presenters on the Manchester station, takes over the 6am to 10am slot there permanently from January 3.
Published: 19 Dec 2006
