Merchant to present 6 Music show

Stephen Merchant has been signed to present a new music show for BBC 6 Music.

The comedy writer and actor, who shot to fame after creating The Office with Ricky Gervais, will present the 3-5pm slot on Sundays from January 14.

Merchant, giving the news a suitably comic welcome, said: "When I was a teenager I used to run a mobile disco for weddings and birthdays, so DJing is in my blood.

"The 6 Music show will be all about the music – I love making people listen to the tunes that excite me - but obviously if things are not working, I'll just stick on C'mon Eileen."

Lesley Douglas, controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music, added: "Stephen Merchant is a great talent – his wit, warmth and love of music makes him a perfect presenter for 6 Music.

"I am delighted that he has agreed to join us, I have long admired his work on radio... and, like everyone else, I do, of course, love him in The Office and more recently Extras."

Merchant began his entertainment career on radio, first at university, then as a breakfast DJ in Bristol, and then with an Xfm show with Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington.