Comic to host 5 Live show

Josh Widdicombe is to be the new presenter of Radio 5 Live’s sports-punditry show Fighting Talk.

The comic – who used to be a Guardian sports writer – will be joined by sports reporter Georgie Thompson at the helm.

Their appointment is part of a shake-up at the station, which sees the departure of Richard Bacon and Victoria Derbyshire; and the arrival of Adrian Chiles and Peter Allen among other changes.

Fighting Talk is currently hosted by a rota of three presenters: Christian O'Connell, Jonathan Pearce and Matt Johnson – who introduce a panel of sports figures and comedians. The has also previously been presented by Johnny Vaughan, and most notably Colin Murray, who took charge between 2006 and 2013.

Widdicombe has been a guest on the Saturday-morning show six times, his first appearance being in 2010.

He said: ‘I am delighted to be joining 5 Live and getting the chance to host a radio show I have been listening to for almost a decade. I won't let my record of never winning an episode of Fighting Talk cloud my judgement now I am in charge.’

The new 5 Live schedule will begin in October.

Published: 1 Jul 2014