Trent FM afternoon presenter Matt Wilkinson is leaving GCap to join Heart 106.2 in London as their new evening show presenter.
The move is part of a number of programming changes at Heart which includes a new late show – Heartbreakers with Simon Beale – showcasing new and classic ballads. Meanwhile, Heart is unveiling a trio of new female presenters to host weekends, the first stage in a wider weekend strategy.
Natalie Pinkham hosts a new “Feelgood Friday” show between 4pm-6pm. Poker whiz and seasoned sports TV presenter, Natalie is sister of Heart 106’s Breakfast show host Sam Pinkham and has hosted a number of sports shows including Five’s David Beckham Soccer USA, Channel 4’s racing show Adrenaline Rush, TT races for Men & Motors and the Masters Tennis Series for Sky Sports.
Abbie Eastwood also joins the Heart weekend line-up for 2008, presenting the 7pm-10pm show on Sundays. The former model, has presented on all of the major TV networks including ITV1 (CD:UK), Five (Pepsi Chart Show), BBC1 (Xchange; The Next Big Thing) and was a regular on MTV.
Natalie B will also join the station as part of the new weekend line-up.
Mark Browning, Programme Director for Heart 106.2 commented: ““I believe passionately that commercial radio should be at the forefront in nurturing new radio talent. This new line-up includes new shows and fresh faces, each with a very different background, which will further strengthen the radio station in 2008.”
The announcements follow the news that Emma B has signed a new long-term contract to continue her Monday-Thursday show and is also moving to the new Sunday afternoon show.