Alex Salmond is to host his own political talk show on Russian state-owned broadcaster RT.

The former First Minister announced he will present the programme on the controversial channel on Thursday.

Airing on Thursdays, The Alex Salmond Show will include guests from business, political and entertainment backgrounds.

Former SNP MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh, a close confidant and business partner to Mr Salmond, is set to co-produce the show.

The Russian embassy in London was among the first to share the news on Thursday night.

He said: "This programme will give people with something to say a platform to say it and we intend to find out something about the personalities behind the public figures.

"In this show I'm going to give you the opportunity to get to know our guests just that bit better.

"I'm not interested in catching people out on statistics or laying them low with past quotations. I want to hear from people to of ideas and answers, with something positive to contribute."

The idea for the programme was inspired by his Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, Alex Salmond Unleashed.

It will be divided into two parts, one giving someone a platform to air their ideas followed by questioning from the 62-year-old, while the second will be a more personal interview.

Conservative MP Colin Clark, who unseated Mr Salmond at this year's election, said: "I am only too happy to have helped Alex make the move into journalism.

"Many people would say that it is long overdue, and will suit his politics more than Westminster or Holyrood.

"Whether it's in Strichen or Moscow, I'm sure he will continue to attack the UK's free press, and criticise the media as a propaganda tool."

He added: "He and Tasmina make a great team."