Des Lynam joined ITV in 1999 after 30 years with the BBC

The 60-year-old commentator joined ITV in 1999 after 30 years with the BBC, but quit television after Euro 2004.

On his new Saturday show, Des Meets, he will interview sports personalities throughout the football season.

"In many ways I'm coming home to the BBC, which has been my broadcasting base on and off for 30 years," the presenter said.

"I'll be happy to get back on to the radio and this show is a chance to really get to know some of my sporting heroes and share that experience."

Relaxed

The BBC said the new show would be a series of intimate conversations, drawing on Lynam's relaxed conversational style, from 21 August.

Radio Five Live controller Bob Shennan said Lynam was a master of the art of radio broadcasting and Five Live his natural home.

"Sports fans around the country will breathe a sigh of relief that he will be back on the airwaves," he said.

During his career Lynam rose through radio and television to become a Grandstand presenter in 1978.

In 1984, the year of the Olympics, David Coleman left the BBC and Lynam became the face of BBC Sport.