The Stephen Nolan show, currently broadcast at the weekend on BBC Radio Five Live, is to be extended to three nights a week from May 2006 and will be produced by BBC News in Manchester.
Nolan, a multi-Sony award winner, has been bringing his late night mix of news, views and comment to listeners for over a year on Five Live.
The show will run three nights a week from 5 May from Manchester on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00pm to 1.00am.
The schedule change with BBC News production means an increased news output and marks the start of Five Live’s weekend output in the late night strand.
Switching the production to BBC News reflects a realignment and simplification of production and commissioning, and offers a more consistent sound to the late night programming throughout the week on Five Live.
Five Live Controller Bob Shennan said: “Stephen has really made his mark upon the late night programme and I’m excited about us developing our news production through his show.
“Using the news hub in Manchester is a key element in ensuring we reflect the whole of the UK better.”
Stephen Nolan said: “I’m delighted to be extending my programme on Five Live to three nights a week.
“It’s a great show and I can really develop a rapport with the listeners.”
The Five Live weekend evening strand has always had its own distinctive character with previous luminaries including Edwina Currie and Richard Bacon.
However the programme moving to Manchester marks the end of the legendary Brian Hayes in a regular presenting role on Five Live.
Brian Hayes currently broadcasts the Friday late evening programme (10.00pm-1.00am).
Bob Shennan paid tribute to him: “Brian Hayes has been a truly brilliant broadcaster for as long as I can remember.
“The show coming from Manchester sadly means he will no longer have a regular show with us after being a stalwart at Five Live since the start.
“However I’m sure it’s not the last we have heard from Brian on the station.”