Baker in 'One Show' frame

Strictly Come Dancing star Matt Baker has become favourite to take over as The One Show host after Jason Manford quit over his online "flirting" with fans.

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

Now Countryfile host Baker – currently a contestant on the dance competition – is the bookies' favourite to take over.

Manford, whose wife is heavily pregnant, said in a statement: "I have decided 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."

Speaking to The Sun, Manford admitted he had "flirted" with 10 or 12 people online which "went over the line with a few".