Richard Ashcroft of the Verve performs live on Chris Evans's new Virgin Radio show

Evans, who left the BBC in December after eight years in command of the early-morning slot on Radio 2, told listeners: "This is our breakfast show live on Virgin Radio.

"It's so great to be back at Virgin and I have to say it's a real treat. I feel blessed and we couldn't be more grateful."

The 52-year-old eschewed usual practice by broadcasting a live performance of The Verve's 1997 track Lucky Man to open the show.

Revealing Ashcroft's presence in the studio, Evans said: "There's been a lot of talk about what's the first song I'm going to play, but of course I just press buttons, I don't play songs.

"Musicians play music, so how about we get a musician to play a song? Feet away from me, this morning. How about Richard Ashcroft everybody?"

Ashcroft, who as a youngster attended Up Holland High School and Winstanley College, would play another five songs across the breakfast show.

Evans then played the first record of the programme, Queen's Don't Stop Me Now.

He read out a series of messages from listeners, one of which said: "I actually dreamt I listened to your show and it went very well."

Evans jokingly added: "That's actually the opposite of the dream I have been having."

Celebrity guests on his debut show will include actress Fay Ripley and comedians Paul Whitehouse, Romesh Ranganathan and Rob Beckett.

Evans was replaced by Zoe Ball in the BBC breakfast slot, after hosting his show since 2010, when he took over from Sir Terry Wogan.

Ball began her show on January 14 by playing Respect by Aretha Franklin, telling listeners "it had to be a dame, on this occasion".

She added: "They come no greater than the Queen of Soul, and Respect."

A sponsorship deal from Sky means that the show will be broadcast without advert breaks, mimicking the listening experience on the BBC.

It will air on weekdays between 6.30am and 10am.