Dale Winton was a fan of the show

A series of guest presenters including Jonathan Ross, BBC Radio 6 DJ Phill Jupitus, former Big Breakfast presenter Richard Bacon and Irish host Patrick Kielty will now host the show.

Monday's programmes was fronted by Winton, who had met Price several times and was a fan of his presenting style and humour.

The admiration was reciprocal, with Winton a benchmark for the kind of mainstream success Price was moving towards.

Guests on the first show included Ronan Keating, Liquid News regular Claudia Winkleman and comedian and actor, Dennis Leary.

'Flair'

Liquid News editor Chris Wilson said it would be hard to continue with the show, but he was determined to do so.

"Christopher loved entertainment news. He believed in it passionately as a valid form of journalism and took pride in delivering it with flair, imagination and lots of humour.

Jonathan Ross fronts Film 2002

"We won't seek to replace him on the show � because we can't.

"Instead some of Christopher's friends and admirers will be minding the shop in his absence.

"They are doing it as a tribute to Christopher because they thought he was a brilliant broadcaster and a really nice guy.

"I know he would have been tickled pink, a little embarrassed and mightily amused."

Further tests

A private funeral for Christopher Price is being planned along with a public memorial service to be held at a later date.

A post-mortem examination proved inconclusive, and further tests are still being carried out.

Liquid News was being lined up to become one of the leading programmes on the proposed digital channel BBC Three.

The show takes an irreverent look at the day's events in the world of entertainment, with daily guests including celebrities, comedians, journalists and industry figures.