Springer is due to play hits from the 1960s to 1980s on Capital Gold

Springer will host its drivetime show for a week from 31 May, while regular host Paul Coyte is on holiday.

He is expected to play a selection of his favourite songs from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The award-winning West End musical Jerry Springer - The Opera, loosely based on his life, is due to open on Broadway in October 2005.

Capital Gold said of Springer's radio stint: "It's bound to be a hilarious week."

Songwriter

Springer, 60, was born in London after his parents fled from Nazi Germany to England. They moved to Queens, New York, when he was five.

He became one of America's youngest mayors when he was mayor of Cincinnati aged 33.

Making its US television debut in 1991, the Jerry Springer Show also became a huge hit in the UK, with participants often attacking each other verbally and physically.

A self-described "country singer-songwriter", Springer has supported country star Billy Ray Cyrus on live dates.

Springer's decision follows a recent move by two fellow US stars to host UK radio shows.