Dion Dublin has been named as the surprise new host of BBC television show Homes Under The Hammer.

The former Manchester United and Aston Villa striker-cum-centre-back joins the show's existing line-up of Martin Roberts and Lucy Alexander as a new presenter, with a role involving meeting budding property developers around the country.

Dublin - who has a long-held interest in the property market from his football career - will appear regularly on the 19th series of the programme later this year, following properties bought at auction and the renovations they undergo before being sold on again.

Dion Dublin is set to become the new presenter of BBC television show Homes Under The Hammer

The former Aston Villa hero will appear regularly on the 19th series of the programme later this year

The four-cap England international said: 'I am thrilled to be joining Martin and Lucy on Homes Under The Hammer. I have a passion for property and look forward to meeting people on the show who share that passion.'

After retiring in May 2008, Dublin has gone on to forge a career in television and radio punditry as well as launching his own percussion instrument, 'The Dube'.

Jo Street, Acting Controller of BBC Daytime, says: 'I am thrilled that Dion Dublin is joining the Homes Under The Hammer line-up. He shares Martin and Lucy's passion for properties and people and his warm personality make him the perfect addition to the family.'

Dublin, who has four caps for England, said he was thrilled to be joining, having held a long interest in property

Dublin - now 45 - started his career as a centre back with Norwich City but went on to make his name upfront with Cambridge United before signing for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in a £1million deal.

He received a Premier League winner's medal in his first year at the club despite making only four appearances due to suffering a broken leg early in the season.

In 1994, Dublin, now valued at £2m, moved on to Coventry City and rediscovered his prolific form, equalling a club record for goals in a top-flight season before moving to Aston Villa in 1998 for £5.75m.

Dublin poses with Sir Alex Ferguson upon signing with Manchester United in 1992 at Old Trafford

After making 189 appearances for the Villa Park club, Dublin later played for Leicester City and Celtic before returning to his first club Norwich, playing again at centre back in his few years as a player.

He retired in 1998, winning the Canaries' player of the year award in his final season and being applauded from the field at Carrow Road on his penultimate career appearance.