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Kym Marsh will replace Matt Baker co-hosting The One Show after quitting Coronation Street

KYM Marsh will replace Matt Baker as a co-host on The One Show after quitting Coronation Street.

The actress, 43, is going to present alongside Alex Jones on Friday.

 Kym Marsh will replace Matt Baker as a co-host on The One Show after quitting Coronation Street
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Kym Marsh will replace Matt Baker as a co-host on The One Show after quitting Coronation StreetCredit: Splash News

And in a double bill of exciting news for her, Kym is also returning to the stage as part of the 9 To 5 The Musical.

She wrote in her magazine column: "I have two big announcements for you all! I can exclusively reveal that I'm joining the cast of 9 To 5 The Musical later this year, in the role played by Louise Redknapp - Violet Newstead.

"I went to see Amber Davies in it last year and absolutely loved the show - it's got a great energy and is all about empowering women, which is a really important message to send out.

"I'm also co-hosting The One Show with Alex Jones on 20 March. I've always enjoyed doing live TV - let's hope I don't make a mistake."

Kym's last Corrie episode aired on December 27.

Her character Michelle Connor left the cobbles following the death of her cheating ex-fiancé Robert Preston.

In December Matt revealed he was quitting The One Show after nine years at the helm. His last episode will be March 31.

The 41-year-old said he was looking forward to "putting his kids to bed" after presenting the weekday evening chat show with Alex Jones.

 Matt Baker announced he's leaving after nine years later this month
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Matt Baker announced he's leaving after nine years later this monthCredit: Handout

Sitting alongside co-host Angelica Bell, a teary-eyed Matt said: "At this time of year, I like to take stock and reflect. The One Show has been a massive part of my life for almost a decade now and I have loved every second of being a part of it. But I am going to be leaving this green sofa in the spring.

"It's time to give someone else the opportunity to see how big hearted you, our One Show viewers, really are.

"It's something I get to witness every year. You help to change the lives of so many vulnerable youngsters for Children In Need.

"All that support you show us, you will never really understand how much that means to me.

"And so, I'd like to thank you, and I'd like to pay a huge tribute to those who have written in over the last nine years.

"Of course, I'd like to thank Alex [Jones], who I've shared the sofa with all these years. And the teams of people who work on this show all around the UK.

"The ones you don't get to see, the researchers, the producers, the studio crew, everyone who  makes this show feel like a massive, massive family.

"I'm going to miss you all and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

 Matt Baker broke down in tears while he thanked the viewers, co-presenters and crew
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Matt Baker broke down in tears while he thanked the viewers, co-presenters and crewCredit: BBC

In a statement, the star assured fans he was not leaving the BBC: "I've loved that The One Show has been a big part of my life for the last nine years.

"It's been brilliant to showcase the eclectic mix of Britain, meet incredible people along the way and witness so many lives changed with the annual Rickshaw Challenge for Children in Need.

"I'd like to thank all those I've worked with over the years and especially you the viewer for showing me so much support during my time on the green sofa.

"I'm continuing with Countryfile and BBC Sport and excited about other opportunities that come my way but most of all I'm looking forward to having dinner with my family and being able to put my kids to bed."

 Alex Jones and Matt Baker presenting in 2012
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Alex Jones and Matt Baker presenting in 2012Credit: BBC

He also hosted the first series of Secret Britain with Julia Bradbury and One Man and His Dog with Kate Humble.

Matt is married to physiotherapist Nicola Mooney - his childhood sweetheart.

Nicola and Matt met while they were at school and have now been married for 15 years after exchanging vows back in 2004.

The couple have two children together, son Luke and daughter Molly, and live just outside London.

Emotional TV presenter Matt Baker says he's leaving The One Show
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