Claudia Winkleman to take over from Jonathan Ross in Film 2010 chair

(PA)

Presenter Claudia Winkleman was today announced as Jonathan Ross's successor as host of Film 2010.

She is the first female host and only the third presenter since the curtain went up on the Film series in 1972.

The programme is also to be revamped with a new format when Winkleman takes over in September.

It will feature a wide range of cinema and industry experts and a variety of studio guests, the BBC said today.

The appointment of Winkleman - who also hosts a show on Radio 2 - is the first announcement about who will take over Ross's roles when he leaves the BBC in the summer at the end of his contract. He also fronts a hugely popular Radio 2 Saturday morning show and a Friday night chat show on BBC1.

Winkleman recently hosted BBC Sport Relief coverage as well as Strictly Come Dancing spin-off It Takes Two.

She said: "Everyone has an opinion on film and I'm looking forward to debating the biggest news and releases with a whole variety of guests each week.

"I am completely over the moon about being given this enormous honour and am incredibly proud to be to be presenting the new look Film 2010. It's an honour to follow on from the brilliant Jonathan Ross.

Mother of two Winkleman - married to film producer Kris Thykier - added: "I have been lucky enough to cover the Baftas and present the UK broadcasts of the Oscars and the Golden Globes for years and now to be able to work with the producers on Film 2010 is just amazing."

The presenter fronts the Friday night Arts Show on Radio 2 which covers film, theatre, arts, TV and music.

BBC1's Film series was originally presented by Barry Norman, with Ross taking over in 1999.

Winkleman will begin her new role in September.