Aled Jones to return to Classic FM

The former chorister returns to the station that launched his presenting career after being dropped from three BBC shows

Aled Jones is to return to Classic FM to take over a weekend show.

The Daybreak host, who got his break as a national radio presenter on the station, will front the Sunday morning programme from March.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who presently has the 9am show, will move to a later show beginning at noon.

Jones, 42, said he felt like he was coming “home” for the three-hour weekly show which begins on March 3.

The presenter first found fame as a teenage chorister, scoring a chart hit with "Walking In The Air", his cover of the theme from animated film The Snowman.

Jones went on to present BBC Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday for many years, as well as BBC1's Songs Of Praise. He took over as co-host of ITV's Daybreak in the summer.

He said: “I am so delighted to be joining the top team at Classic FM. Sunday radio is in my heart and I can't wait to be at the helm of their flagship weekend programme.

“I'll be playing some of my favourite music as well as some of yours so come and be part of it from the beginning of March. It really does feel like I've come home.”

Richard Park, director of broadcasting at Classic's parent company Global Radio, said: “Aled is a first-class broadcaster and this, alongside his outstanding classical music pedigree, makes him a very welcome new member of the Classic FM family.”

Other weekend changes see Jamie Crick moving to 3pm on Sunday, while Anne-Marie Minhall will present the More Music Breakfast show at 6am on Saturdays and Sundays.

PA