The station recruited the actor ahead of the announcement that he would be swinging his hips on the BBC One show and now hopes to benefit from his raised profile.

Programme director Gary Stein commented: “We wanted our new voice to represent everything Manchester and Craig will create a real feel that Key 103 is the radio station that is made in Manchester, by Manchester, which sets us aside from the National BBC Stations. Craig will bring a rich and Mancunian feel to the imaging,” he added.

Stein noted that although Kelly’s voice sounded great he was unaware of his skills on the floor as yet. “If he dances like John Sergeant we’re all stuffed,” he quipped.