Chiles is most watched man on TV

The One Show presenter Adrian Chiles has been named the most watched man on British television this year.

Chiles, who hosts several high-profile shows, knocked last year's holders Ant and Dec from the top spot after statistics showed that he broadcast to a total audience of 1.04 billion in 2008.

The 41-year-old's main job is anchoring The One Show, the BBC's early evening magazine programme, but he has also fronted coverage of the Beijing Olympics and the Euro 2008 championships.

Additionally he presents Match Of The Day 2 and The Apprentice: You're Fired!.

"If I’m the most watched person, all I can say is there can’t be much else on television," Chiles told The Times. "I bet Ant and Dec are hurting now. This must hurt. But don’t cry for them, they will be back."

The BBC reportedly gave Chiles a £1 million-a-year salary six months ago in a bid to stop him moving to rival broadcaster ITV.

The full list of the most watched people on television in 2008, as compiled by media agency MPG, is as follows:

1. Adrian Chiles (1.04bn)
2. Philip Scofield (677.6m)
3. Noel Edmonds (611.7m)
4. Fern Britton (494.2m)
5. Davina McCall (403.5m)
6. Dermot O'Leary (358.5m)
7. Ant & Dec (314.6m)
8. Gary Linekar (302.3m)
9. Holly Willoughby (249.8m)
10. Paul O'Grady (245.2m)