Recently “retired” broadcaster John Humphrys is to return to radio to present the Classic FM breakfast show.

He will stand in for regular host Tim Lihoreau.

Humphrys, 76, left BBC Radio 4’s Today programme last month after 32 years.

He said: “I’m struggling to think of a greater contrast with my old job: the bliss of Beethoven and Brahms instead of Brexit and backstops.

“Maybe there really is another world out there.”

Sam Jackson, senior managing editor at Classic FM, said:

“John Humphrys is one of this country’s genuinely iconic broadcasters.

“For more than 30 years, millions of people have woken up to him every morning, so we are thrilled that John will now be hosting a very different breakfast programme on Classic FM.

“It’s a privilege to welcome him to the UK’s biggest classical music station and I know that our listeners will really enjoy tuning in next week.”