FORMER politician Tomy Sheridan is set to become the face of a controversial Russian news outlet.

The ex socialist MSP will host an online video programme for Sputnik UK, which has previously been blasted as propaganda for the Russian government.

He will follow in the footsteps of former First Minister Alex Salmond, who hosted a TV show on Russia Today - which has been back by the Kremlin.

Tommy, who lives in Cardonald, confirmed the news to the Daily Record but insisted he wasn't promoting the Russian government's agenda.

He said: "The Tommy Sheridan Show will appear weekly or more, identifying worthy stories and guests which the mainstream media sweeps under the carpet.

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“We’ll produce professional, quality stories to provoke and inform debate. The shows will reflect me, my personality, and my politics. There’ll be guests of different political persuasions.”

The 54-year-old will also write opinion pieces for the company's website.

He added: “I’m a socialist and these shows will have socialist content. I want to give balance to the mainstream media, which isn’t balanced at all.

“The idea I would be censored on Sputnik is ridiculous, and the idea that Sputnik would censor me is just as ridiculous.

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“Sputnik provides news and opinion which aren’t ordinarily given airtime. From my point of view, this is a very positive marriage.”

He discussed his upbringing in Pollok in his first article for the site. 

In his first show, he told listeners: “Unlike many other politicians and commentators, my principle are not negotiable.

“For me integrity is priceless and although many of us may be in the gutter I will always, in the spirit of Oscar Wilde, be looking up for the stars.”