Vanessa Feltz will take over BBC Radio 2's early breakfast show formerly presented by Sarah Kennedy, the station confirmed today.


Feltz will join the station on 17 January next year to present the 5am to 6.30am slot, as predicted by MediaGuardian.


She will also become the regular deputy for Jeremy Vine's weekday lunchtime show. But when not deputising for Vine she will continue to host her morning phone-in on BBC London 94.9, where she has presented since 2002.


"I'm overjoyed to be joining the UK's most listened to network as I'm a huge fan of Radio 2 - home of many of the country's most beloved presenters," said Feltz.


"I'm utterly thrilled to be handing over to Chris Evans every morning - it's my idea of the perfect start to the day."


The station said she would "entertain the nation with a show bursting with music, chat and a first look at the day's news".


Bob Shennan, the Radio 2 controller, said: "As well as being an accomplished and prize-winning radio presenter, Vanessa has a huge zest and passion for life in general, making her the perfect early morning show host. I'm convinced that she'll be the ideal companion to the millions of our earlybird listeners."


Feltz, who will also begin presenting a new morning show on Channel 5 next year, will give up her Saturday morning show on London 94.9.


Kennedy, who presented the Radio 2 early morning show for 17 years, parted company with the station in September.