O'Connell to host Radio 5 Live show

Absolute Radio DJ Christian O'Connell will present a Saturday morning show on BBC Radio 5 Live in the New Year, covering for Danny Baker while he recovers from cancer treatment.

O'Connell's new show will air every Saturday between 9am and 11am, starting on January 15 with Lenny Henry as his first guest. The programme will run until the end of May 2011.

He will retain the spirit of Baker's programme, including a mix of audience engagement, guests and "creative nonsense". However, the popular 'sausage sandwich' game will be replaced by a new audience participation challenge called Highbrow Lowbrow.

Discussing his new role, O'Connell said: "Danny is the very best of the best and is handling his treatment with the humour and gusto you'd expect.

"Whilst he's getting better it's a privilege and honour to look after the shop until the great one's return. Expect great guests and banter."

Earlier this year, O'Connell deputised for Richard Bacon on the Radio 5 Live afternoon programme. He also presented the station's Fighting Talk Saturday morning quizshow between 2004 and 2005.