Jason Manford quits The One Show

Jason Manford made his One Show debut in August

Comedian Jason Manford has quit as co-presenter of The One Show, four months after taking on the role.

In a statement he said: "I have decided after careful consideration to step down from The One Show to concentrate on my family and tour commitments."

The married star told The Sun he had been "flirting" with people online, and some of this had gone "too far".

"We have got nothing to say except that we accept Jason's decision," the BBC said in a statement.

"I can see now that what started out as a bit of messing about and having a laugh on Twitter has been misjudged," Manford continued.

"I'd like to apologise to anyone that this has offended as that was the last thing I ever intended to do."

The comic has twin daughters with his wife Catherine, who is currently pregnant with his third child.

Although she was "disappointed" by his behaviour, he told the newspaper, they had not split up.

Manford joined The One Show in August alongside Alex Jones (r)

Former Blue Peter host Matt Baker, who occasionally fills in for Manford, has been tipped to replace the star, though an official announcement has yet to be made.

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Baker is due to step in as co-presenter next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, while Chris Evans will host on Thursday and Friday.

In May it was announced Manford would replace Adrian Chiles after he left to present ITV's new breakfast show Daybreak.

He was later joined by Welsh TV presenter Jones after Christine Bleakley also left the flagship show.

Both presenters made their debut in August and received mixed reviews from critics.

A month later Manford publicly criticised his new employers after the BBC edited out a joke he made during the Help for Heroes concert.