Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull has a new job - as a Classic FM presenter

Former BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull is joining radio station Classic FM.

The presenter will host two new programmes on the classical music station, swapping his weekday early mornings for a more relaxing 10am to 1pm slot on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bill said: “I am delighted to be joining Classic FM, with its distinguished line-up of presenters.

“It will be a real joy to turn from news to music, especially at a more civilised hour, and I’m looking forward to it very much.”

The 60-year-old, who retired from BBC Breakfast’s famous red sofa in February after 15 years, will begin his new radio job on April 9.

His new quiz show, Think Tank, is also launching at 2.15pm on Monday March 21.

Speaking ahead of his quiz show debut, Bill told the Press Association he was keen to dispel the impression that he was retiring for good after he left the breakfast show to spend more time with his family – and his bees.

He said: “That was awful. I had to shout it from the rooftops in capital letters – ‘I’m not retiring!’ People got the impression, I suppose, because I’ve retired from the breakfast sofa.

“But I’m still going to be keeping busy doing other things. I shall be cluttering up the airwaves in one respect or another for a while yet.”

Earlier this month, he was voted best news presenter at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards.

Sam Jackson, managing editor of Classic FM, said: “Bill Turnbull is one of this country’s finest broadcasters and I’m so pleased to welcome him to the Classic FM family.

“Bill is one of those rare presenters who everyone feels like they know. His warmth and wit have endeared him to millions of television viewers and now we’re thrilled that he’s joining Classic FM’s weekend team.”

The radio station’s new weekend schedule includes long-time Classic FM presenters Alan Titchmarsh, who moves to Saturday breakfast, and Aled Jones, who will take the slot before Turnbull on Sunday.

Alexander Armstrong, host of TV quiz Pointless, will take over from Turnbull at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.