COMEDIAN Peter Kay is set make a return to the BBC this Christmas as a guest on Cat Deeley's new radio show.

Deeley is to make her BBC Radio 2 debut in a one-off programme in the new year.

The presenter will be joined by the Bolton funnyman, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, apart from a one-off appearance back in April during BBC's The Big Night In.

Deeley's show is one of a number of programmes which will fill the slot vacated by Graham Norton, who is leaving the station, before his replacement Claudia Winkleman starts.

Deeley, 44, said: "I'm thrilled to be making my Radio 2 debut on Saturday, January 2.

"This time of year always fills us with love, hope and optimism, even if it looks a little different this year.

"We may not gather in the same ways or in the same places, but we are always together in our hearts."

She added: "Gather round the radio and tune in to hear me chatting to some fantastic guests and playing the best music."

Deeley said the thing she is looking forward to most is speaking to listeners.

"I've missed casual conversations, laughing with new friends I've just met, putting the world to rights with acquaintances that brighten your day and connecting with people that don't stay strangers for long so let's start the year as we mean to go on... together," she said.

Nicki Chapman will also present programmes from 10am to 1pm on Saturday mornings before Winkleman starts in February.