Chris Evans will return to Virgin Radio - almost 20 years after he left

He said in a statement: "In many ways Virgin Radio is my spiritual home. I see nothing but exciting and groundbreaking opportunities ahead. In a medium that is changing so quickly on a daily basis, the potential for growth is unprecedented.

"Our plan is, to give it all we've got, see where we can get to and have the most possible fun along the way. It makes me smile every time I think about it."

The broadcaster - who is expecting twins with his wife Natasha Shishmanian next month - hosted Virgin's breakfast show from 1997 until 2001 and he will return to front the same slot from early next year after reportedly being offered more money.

Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: "We're very excited to have one of the world's greatest radio presenters hosting our flagship breakfast show.''

Chris had worked for the BBC for 13 years and took over the morning segment - which regularly attracts nine million listeners on the daily - in 2010.

He said: "I'm leaving Radio 2 and since I decided this, which has been a conversation I have been having with my nearest and dearest since last year, a few weeks ago I made my mind up for sure.

"During that conversation it was pointed out that I had been here for 13 years and that's a long time and I've been on the breakfast show for eight years which is also a long time. A brilliant time, a great time and I've loved every single minute of it. Some of us are mountain climbers and if you get to the top of your favourite mountain and you stay there, you're just an observer.

"And I've got to keep climbing so I'm going to go and go again and start up on a brand new adventure. And I've loved it here, every second and I don't want this to be it. I'm 52, it's brilliant, it's never been more current."

It's not yet known who will replace him but he's wished his successor "the best."