Norton to take over Ross's radio slot

Norton had been tipped as a replacement and is already standing in on Radio 2 (Getty)

The BBC's task of filling the space on its schedules left by the departure of Jonathan Ross this summer began yesterday after Graham Norton was confirmed as his replacement on Radio 2.

The Over the Rainbow host will take over the Saturday morning slot in October following the departure of Ross in July.

Ross – who has been a weekend regular since 1999 – is leaving the BBC after deciding not to renew his contract.

Norton had been tipped as a replacement and is already standing in on Radio 2 while the breakfast host, Chris Evans, is on holiday. Evans has drawn a new record audience of 9.5 million listeners for his show after taking over from Sir Terry Wogan.

Norton's new show – which begins on 2 October – will feature live musical performances and celebrity guests. Interim presenters have still to be finalised.