Top Gear presenter puts pedal to metal as radio rock show DJ

Also stepping in for a guest slot on digital station 6 Music will be Channel 4's Hotel Rescue star Ruth Watson.

Yesterday the BBC confirmed that May will step in for Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson on the Rock Show at 9pm tomorrow for one night.

The presenter who has a passion for classic rock will be playing acts such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, Guns 'n' Roses, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and The Stooges.

He said: "I've never had a whole radio show to myself and I'm very much looking forward to inflicting the soundtrack of my youth on the nation."

Watson, who also hosts Country House Rescue, will take over Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show on Saturday, for another one-off show.

She said: "It's such a thrill to be given the chance to stand in for Craig and I can't wait to play some of my own favourite tunes."

Radio 6 editor Paul Rodgers, said: "We wanted to add a bit more of a challenge to the usual celebrity plus a bunch of songs format. We wanted to find people who were able to demonstrate their passion and knowledge about music on our specialist music shows. Quite a tall order, but having seen the music our celebrity guests plan to play, I think listeners will be impressed."

The digital station may be closed if BBC managers get their way.