BLUE singer Duncan James has landed a new gig as an entertainment presenter on Good Morning Britain.
The pop star has been hired to cover for showbiz stalwart Richard Arnold on the ITV breakfast show.
Duncan James has been hired as Guest Entertainment Presenter on Good Morning Britain
Richard Arnold has been presenting an entertainment editor for ITV for more than 20 years
Duncan will make his debut as the show’s Guest Entertainment Presenter on Monday, August 14, and revealed he’ll come suited and booted like main host Ben Shephard.
GMB announced the news today and Duncan, 45, said: “I’m super excited to be joining the Good Morning Britain family.
“I love the show and I’ve been on loads of times, not only with Blue but also when I was doing Chicago with Alexandra Burke, but this time it’ll be different with me presenting.
“Being on the other side of the desk, it’ll definitely be different and a little bit nerve-racking but that’s what we do as entertainers, we’re always trying new things and doing new challenges, which keeps the adrenaline and excitement going.”
He said of his new work uniform: “I really want to look smart, so definitely a blazer, a nice shirt and trousers and some smart shoes, but definitely nothing as colourful as Richard Arnold!
“I like a lot of neutrals so I think that’s what I’ll be going for. I’m going to look at Ben Shephard’s Instagram today and have a look to get some inspiration, he always looks quite smart.”
The All Rise singer said he was looking forward to discussing the day’s showbiz news with the main anchors.
He continued: “I think I’m most looking forward to the natural banter that will happen on air with the hosts.
“I know that for a couple of days, I’ll be on air with Kate Garraway and Richard Madeley and I absolutely love Kate, I’ve known her for a long time.
“When I found out that I’d be on with her I was really excited. She’s just one of those people when you’re around her you just feel safe.
“Even when I told my Mum about this gig she was more excited about the Kate element than me actually presenting.”
Duncan found fame alongside band members Antony Costa, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe in Blue in 2001 and enjoyed hits such as All Rise, Too Close and One Love.
The lads have reformed a number of times in recent years, while Duncan enjoyed a stint on Hollyoaks in 2016 and again in 2018 playing policeman Ryan Knight.
Between his popstar and soapstar career, Duncan made a name for himself treading the boards in musicals.
He toured the UK as Tick in the drag queen extravaganza Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and also took on the role of Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde: The Musical.
GMB is not his first presenting gig. He has previously hosted TV shows including Soapstar Superstar, Pop City Live and Entertainment Today on GMTV.
In 2021, Duncan bravely agreed to get his kit off on TV for charity on ITV’s Strictly The Real Full Monty.
He’s also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef.
Duncan said he’ll take outfit inspo from Ben Shephard and is looking forwad to having banter with Kate Garraway
