Christine Bleakley and Chris Evans met for lunch today to discuss their new partnership on The One Show.

The pair, who chose celebrity favourite restaurant The Ivy for their not so surreptitious meal, emerged looking happy and excited after presumably discussing Evans' debut on the show as Bleakley's Friday co-host.

Evans is expected to take over as the host on Fridays later this summer, following Adrian Chiles's departure from the show.

Lunch meeting: Christine Bleakley and Chris Evans meet at The Ivy in London today

After his new role was announced, Evans said: 'I think what Adrian and Christine have done with the show is fantastic.

'It has become a much-loved institution in a relatively short space of time and I am honoured to be able to be joining the team.

'For me Fridays have always been a little bit special and I want to do my bit to welcome people to the weekend.'

Excited: Bleakley couldn't keep the smile from her face as she left the celebrity favourite restaurant

BBC1 Controller Jay Hunt added at the time: 'The One Show is without doubt one of our most popular programmes and I am thrilled that Chris will be joining such a successful team.

'His unique presenting style and infectious enthusiasm will be a great addition to the show.'

Evans and Bleakley are expected to work well together, thanks to their contrasting presenting styles.

Former co-hosts: Bleakley with Adrian Chiles on The One Show before his departure

The BBC has announced comedian Jason Manford will be the new Monday to Thursday co-host

While Evans is more on the outrageous side, Bleakley keeps things serious when they need to be, as well as providing a conservative edge.

And the pair's different personalities could not have been more obvious yesterday at their lunch meeting.

As Bleakley opted for a professional outfit of skinny jeans, tan sandals, Evans wore a blue patterned shirt, jeans and trainers.

The BBC recently announced that little-known comedian Jason Manford will be Bleakley's main co-host on the show from July.

Earlier in the week, Manford said: ‘I am thrilled to be part of The One Show team. My Dad put £10 at 500-1 that I’d get the job so it just made sense.’

Writing on his twitter micro-blogging site, he said: ‘Fingers crossed I don’t spoil it.’

The One Show editor Sandy Smith said: ‘Jason’s strength is his likeability, his natural warmth and his quick wit.

‘He’s intelligent and curious about the sort of subjects discussed every day on The One Show and is equally at home with the light-hearted and the serious issues.’