Simon Schama has joined the Financial Times as a contributing editor.

The TV historian will write for the paper “across a range of topics” in both the Monday to Friday edition and in FT weekend.

Editor Lionel Barber said: “He is one of the most elegant and versatile writers in the English language, a master historian who can turn his talents to the arts, popular culture and bonne cuisine. He will be a terrific addition – in particular to our FT Weekend offering.”