Tom Daley launching presenting career on The One Show after confirming ambition to ‘take over’ Clare Balding’s job

Tom will be back on-screens very soon (Picture: BBC)

Tom Daley will be the latest star to try his hand at presenting The One Show when he steps into the gig later this month.

The Olympic gold-medallist and knitting sensation, 27, appeared on the BBC evening programme on Monday to chat about his upcoming autobiography, Coming Up For Air.

He chatted to presenters Sam Quek, 32, and Ronan Keating, 44, about the themes fans could expect to discover in his book, including a deep-dive into his hugely successful career.

But there was even more good news for fans of the sporting superstar.

Host Sam told viewers: ‘Tom’s book is out on Thursday and next week he’ll also be going into the deep end because he’s going to be presenting The One Show here.’

He replied: ‘I think it’s next Friday, the 22nd I think – whatever day that is!’

Sam responded: ‘We’ll see you then,’ with her co-host Ronan adding: ‘Tom, you’re an inspiration and a role model for humanity.’

Tom appeared on The One Show on Monday night (Picture: BBC)

The presenting duo didn’t announce who Tom would be replacing or who he would be sat on the sofa alongside when he makes his debut later this month.

Tom previously spoke out on his wish to turn his hand to presenting, when he joked he was eyeing up Clare Balding’s job earlier this summer.

 ‘I’d like to make documentaries exploring things that I feel really passionate about, like LGBT issues.

‘I feel like I could host all kinds of stuff but, to be honest, the dream is to take over Clare Balding’s job and present Olympic coverage.

‘Clare has to watch out,’ he told Radio Times.

During his chat with Sam and Ronan yesterday, Tom revealed his heartfelt tribute to his dad Rob, who died in 2011, aged just 40, from a brain tumour, who was influential in the Olympian’s success.

Tom explained: ‘He passed away in 2011 but no parents are allowed to sit on poolside, parents have to be away from all the athletes as much as possible.

‘But my dad’s ashes were actually buried at the bottom of the steps of the diving board, it’s where I put my water bottle every time I’d go up to do a dive.’

The diver added: ‘I’d touch it before I go up to do a dive and he had the best seats in the house.’

Elsewhere, the new hosting challenge comes amid rumours Tom could be swapping the diving pool for the Bushtucker Trials later this year.

He is one of the celebrities thought to be linked with a spell at Gwrych Castle when I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! returns.

According to bookmakers Ladbrokes, he is currently 5/2 to be taking part, with frontrunners including Richard Madeley, at 1/3 odds and Louise Minchin who is placed at 6/4.

More: BBC

TV legend Richard is thought to have signed a bumper £200k deal with ITV to take part, after years of the broadcaster reportedly trying to get him to appear.

The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One.

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