The 28-year-old from Quebec, a two-time Olympic silver medallist, three-time world champion and nine-time Commonwealth Games champion, will co-host the show alongside Joanne Vrakas, who was a television reporter at CBC Montreal.

The show is due to launche on August 26 while it will be Despatie's first broadcasting role in English – following high-profile French-speaking television roles, such as during the RDS coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Despatie claimed he is excited to be working on an English-speaking television show for the first time.

"English has been a very big part of my life," said Despatie.

"I started travelling when I was eight years-old.

"Most of the diving team was English back then so there was no choice for me to learn proper English.

"I didn't want to have an accent so I worked hard at listening to other people talk and make sure that it was going to sound right and it's paying off today."

Despatie has been congratulated on his new role by Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) President Marcel Aubut, who cited the former diver as a great role model for all youngsters.

"Alexandre Despatie is a prime example of why Olympians are our nation's greatest assets and the best-possible role models for our nation's youth," said Aubut.

"In the many, many years I have known Alex, he has consistently impressed me with his commitment, drive and leadership both on and off the field of play.

"Montrealers will truly be waking up to someone very special starting this August.

"On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Alex on this wonderful career opportunity."

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