Eamonn Holmes left GMTV in April after 12 years

Holmes will join Sunrise, on from 0600 to 0900 every weekday, later this year.

He left GMTV in April after 12 years, saying: "I'm surprised I've lasted as long as I have. There's easier ways of earning money than getting up at 0400."

He has now said the move to Sky will "give me the opportunity to continue saying good morning to the nation".

The 45-year-old will be "bringing them the events that set the news agenda" and has "always admired Sky News", he added.

'Authority and warmth'

Sky News boss Nick Pollard said Holmes was "an outstanding and very experienced journalist who can handle any topic with flair, authority and warmth".

"He is a natural and knowledgeable interviewer. We are delighted that a presenter held in such affection by the British viewing public will be joining our award-winning team," he said.

Holmes also presents BBC One's National Lottery Jet Set and Hard Spell and will host the theatre version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

After leaving GMTV, Holmes said: "I won't miss the constant fatigue and feeling of jet lag."