Replacing a programme knob on BOSCH WFL2450GB/01 washing machine?

What is involved in replacing a programme knob on BOSCH WFL2450GB/01 washing machine? [Knob is on a rotary switch with 16 positions - knob is "sloppy" so you have to count the clicks to get the correct programme.]

Presumably the front fascia panel has to be removed - how easy to do is this, please?

Machine is 11 years old, so plastic may be brittle, but otherwise it works well.