Fern Britton lands Channel 4 chat show

Fern Britton has been given her own chat show.

The TV host - who quit ITV1 daytime series 'This Morning' two years ago - has been given the coveted hour-long 5pm slot by Channel 4 after impressing bosses with a trial episode last year.

Fern, 53, said: "I am very excited about being in on the start of a brand new show. I'm working with a great team and together we shall rise to the challenge."

Channel 4 daytime boss Helen Warner added: "Whether she's interviewing ordinary people, Hollywood stars or prime ministers, there is no one better than Fern. For me she is the British answer to Oprah."

The new daily programme will be called 'Fern' and will start next month, featuring celebrity guests as well as members of the audience revealing their amazing experiences.

Fern beat off stiff competition from the likes of Lenny Henry, Vernon Kay, Peter Andre, Melanie Sykes and Denise Van Outen to land the teatime slot, which was previously occupied by Paul O'Grady.