BBC Newsnight presenter Jeremy Vine has been confirmed as the replacement for Sir Jimmy Young at BBC Radio 2.

The news ends months of speculation about who will take over Sir Jimmy's mantle.

Vine, 37, will join the station full-time in January after regularly deputising for Sir Jimmy - who is currently recovering from a hip operation - in a reported �250,000 deal.

BBC Radio 2 controller James Moir has also confirmed he will be staying at the station, despite having recently hinted he may retire.

Sir Jimmy is known as JY to his fans

Mr Moir is credited with making the station the most popular in the UK, with 13 million listeners.

As Mr Moir revealed Vine's appointment, he joked he was "confirming possibly the worst kept secret in the world".

Vine emerged as an early favourite to take over from Sir Jimmy, who in January announced he would retire after 28 years on the show.

Sir Jimmy, best known as JY, will host a weekend current affairs programme in 2003.

Vine said: "I am absolutely thrilled to bits - there can't be a better job for a journalist anywhere on radio.

"Stepping into Sir Jimmy Young's shoes is a frightening thing to do, but I've got a great production team and together we'll do our best to meet the high standards of the Radio 2 audience."

Music fan

Vine, who has been a regular presenter on current affairs show Newsnight for three years, said the decision to leave the show was hard but that he was going to one of the best jobs in journalism.

His music tastes err on the Mancunian side, with The Smiths and Joy Division among his favourites.

Jeremy Vine and James Moir announced their good news at the same time

Mr Moir has signed a 12-month contract to remain as controller, keeping charge of both Radio 2 and digital station 6 Music.

His position will be advertised next June.

BBC Radio 2 has been undergoing a revival in recent years, attracting more listeners through a broader range of music, new DJs and a modernisation of its image.

It was named national station of the year at the Sony radio awards.

DJs like Jonathan Ross, Stuart Maconie, Terry Wogan and Steve Wright have also been credited with helping turn the station's fortunes around.