Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson is new Drivetime presenter on Virgin Radio UK

Kaiser Chiefs star Ricky Wilson is taking over the weekday Drivetime show on Virgin Radio UK.

The singer-songwriter, 44, will be hosting his own afternoon show from Monday to Friday, starting next January, and said he was “so excited” to start working among some of his radio heroes.

It comes after much speculation over who would take the slot.

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Wilson - who has stepped in to fill Chris Evans’ shoes on the Breakfast Show before – said in a statement: “I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting started on Virgin Radio.

“Music is my number one passion, but I’m so excited about having some fun in a playful and creative space for Drivetime.”

He went on: “Plus I’ll be working alongside some amazing and talented people who have been some of my radio heroes.

"I’ve been interviewed by most of them and now I get to work with them, including Chris, who has probably interviewed me more than my doctor."

"Virgin Radio listeners are incredible so I’m excited to entertain them all in the New Year," added the star.

Wilson told The Sun he may have a “Kaisers amnesty” and not play their tracks on the show.

“I’m getting very ­nervous beforehand,” he admitted.

“I watch all the other DJs come in, and I am blown away by their ­professionalism.

“I have an hour of building myself up and I have copious amounts of notes. None of which I use, but without them I would be screwed."

Read more: Kaiser Chiefs fans criticise Ricky Wilson for 'forgetting lyrics' on stage

Radio Today said current Drive host Steve Denyer is now hosting evenings on Virgin Radio 80s Plus.

Wilson will officially join the show on 9 January.

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