Vanessa Feltz has announced she is joining TalkTV after leaving the BBC after nearly 20 years on its radio stations.
Feltz, 60, will replace Jeremy Kyle as presenter of the fledgling network’s three-hour drivetime show from 5 September. Kyle, meanwhile, is to host a new primetime show on TalkTV launching in the autumn.
Feltz said: “The allure of a retirement reclining on a chaise longue while the fragrant Ben [Ofoedu, her partner] peeled me a grape was fleeting. While there are politicians to be tackled, fat cats to be flattened, scams to expose and lovely listeners to champion, it’s my mission to breathe fire into the microphone.
“After an elegant sojourn at the BBC, I am effervescent with joy at the invitation to unleash my hitherto hidden side on Talk TV.”
News UK’s broadcasting president, Scott Taunton, said: “Vanessa Feltz is not only a world-class broadcaster, she’s also a national treasure. I’m delighted that she is joining the brilliant talent roster at TalkTV.
“With no alarm clock needed, I’m sure our viewers and listeners will be getting the full force of Feltz.”
In July, Feltz announced she was leaving her shows on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio London, joining a number of established presenters in departing the broadcaster.
Paul O’Grady, 67, hosted his final Radio 2 show earlier this month, while Steve Wright, also 67, is due to sign off from his weekday afternoon show on the station in September.
In recently released BBC figures, Feltz was one of just three women in the top 10 highest-paid on-air talent, with her salary of between £400,000 and £404,999 putting her in eighth place. Zoë Ball and Fiona Bruce were the other two female hosts in the top 10.
Feltz began presenting the Radio 2 early breakfast show in January 2011, initially from 5am to 6.30am, which was extended to 4am from January 2021.
As well as covering daily news, her shows contained features including Famous Last Words, Jolly Good Fellows, the Feltz Philological Challenge and Early Bird Earworms.
