BBC's morning replacement for Kilroy revealed

The replacement show for BBC ONE's Kilroy has been revealed today – and veteran presenters Nicky Campbell and Nadia Sawalha have been given the difficult task of establishing the new topical discussion programme.

Now You're Talking! is slated to start in March, and will take over the 9am slot – occupied in the interim by an extended BBC Breakfast. However, the relationship between the Beeb and Robert Kilroy-Silk continues – the Kilroy Television Company Ltd will produce the show.

The BBC suspended the former Labour MP's weekday morning show on January 9 following outrage caused by an article he wrote for the Sunday Express newspaper.

The article accused Arabs of having "murdered more than 3,000 civilians on September 11", and for carrying out "cold-blooded killings" in Mombasa and Yemen, and for being "suicide bombers, limb-amputators, women repressors".

He added that the Arab countries had nothing "useful" or "valuable" to contribute to the world besides oil - which was "discovered, is produced and is paid for by the West".

The BBC withdrew the Kilroy programme following widespread public outcry. But its replacement appears to be similar in type and presentation.

Each half-hour discussion programme will be hosted by one presenter and with occasional guest presenters filling in from time to time later in the spring.

The show, which will be recorded with a studio audience, will tackle a wide range of topical issues affecting the lives and reflecting the views of people across the UK, according to the broadcaster.

Alison Sharman, Controller of BBC Daytime, said: "I'm delighted that Nicky and Nadia will be presenting this new show.

"I think this is a great opportunity to bring a fresh look and feel to mornings on BBC ONE, with presenters who each offer different strengths and qualities to the show.

"With Nicky's proven track record in hosting lively, topical discussion shows and Nadia's empathy and appeal with the daytime audience I believe this will be an exciting and stimulating addition to the BBC Daytime schedule."

(gmcg)