Former Capital FM and Xfm DJ Richard Bacon is set to take over the late show on BBC Radio 5 Live from next month, in a schedule shake-up which will also see Jane Garvey leave the station after 13 years, and former late night presenter Anita Anand take over as co-host of the drivetime show.
Anita Anand joins Peter Allen on drivetime as the station bids farewell to Jane Garvey, the first voice heard on the network, as she moves on because of family commitments.
Anita Anand said: "I am delighted and really rather honoured to be taking over on 5 Live Drive. Jane has always been a presenter I have admired and respected.
"To get the chance to work with a journalist of Peter's calibre is a joyous prospect. Drive is such an important news programme and I relish this new challenge."
Richard Bacon, who has presented on 5 Live for the last three years, is given his own permanent slot on the station with a high-profile late night programme (Monday—Thursday, 10pm -1am) of news entertainment and sport.
Richard Bacon said of his new role: "I think it's always best if possible to work for a radio station that you listen to. There's no station I listen to more than 5 Live and I think this show will be great fun."
Gabby Logan will present a new two-hour news programme on Sunday mornings from 10am to noon, replacing Worricker On Sunday, starting in the New Year. Logan has presented her own programme throughout the summer on Saturday mornings on 5 Live, and was on Breakfast with Nicky Campbell for a month earlier this year.
Jane Garvey, on leaving a broadcasting partnership lasting some 13 years, said: "I'm very sad to be leaving 5 Live, where Peter Allen tells me I've been fortunate to spend the best years of my life.
"When we started in 1994 I thought of myself as hip and happening, and of Peter as a cantankerous old git. Thirteen years on and I'm a weary wife and mother and he's still a cantankerous old git.
"But I'm very proud of 5 Live and of everything we've achieved. It's easy to forget how many people thought the concept was bound to fail. In fact, the station has a unique bond with its audience and I'm happy I played a part in that.
"I'll never, ever stop listening to 5 Live and I'm leaving Peter in the hands of another feisty female, Anita Anand, so I know he will come to no harm."
Peter Allen said: "Jane's been a delight to work with — and very long suffering. Bear in mind our partnership has lasted longer than the average marriage at the BBC!
"We are likely to have a custody battle over the 6 Sony Awards we have won over the years, some of which have gone missing, but we will try to settle the matter without recourse to the courts. I will miss her and I know the listeners will too, but fortunately there is another talented presenter ready to take on the task.
"Anita Anand is a terrific find for 5 Live, and has a great sense of humour, which is probably just as well."
Radio 5 Live Controller Bob Shennan said: "It's the end of an era and I am really sad to lose Jane. She is a fantastic broadcaster and has played a major part in the station since its launch. I hope she will be back on it at some stage in the future.
"I'm delighted to welcome Anita, Richard and Gabby to new places in our schedule. They are all familiar voices to our listeners and great talents."
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