Chris Evans is to move from his Saturday afternoon slot to replace Johnnie Walker hosting BBC Radio 2's Drivetime show.

The former Radio 1 breakfast DJ – whose weekday show will start on April 18 – welcomed the news.

"To take over from Johnnie Walker is an absolute honour," commented the 39-year-old. "The guy is a legend; he helped me get my first job at the BBC back in 1990.

"Drivetime is hugely important. In many ways it mirrors the breakfast show as a transition for people between work and home," he continued. "It's our job to help that journey be less of a thing to dread and more of a thing to look forward to."

Station controller Lesley Douglas said he was confident Evans could fill Walker's shoes. "Chris Evans is a brilliant radio talent who has already scored a hit with his weekend show," he explained. "I know he will give the audience a great new show for weekdays."

Walker announced he was stepping down earlier this week, commenting: "After seven years on one show I feel it's time for a change."