Strictly star favourite for One Show sofa

Comic Manford, 29, handed in his notice to BBC1 bosses last night, just four months after taking the coveted position after an admission of "saucy" contacts with women over the internet.

Now Countryfile host Baker – currently a contestant on the dance competition – has been ranked as the bookies' favourite to take over on the sofa in Birmingham next to Alex Jones.

Manford, whose wife is heavily pregnant, said in a statement: "I have decided after careful consideration to step down from The One Show to concentrate on my family and tour commitments."

The BBC said: "We have got nothing to say except that we accept Jason's decision."

Corporation bosses were already unhappy about revelations regarding text messages to a female fan.