Lowe swaps Xfm for Radio 1

BBC Radio 1 have hired current Xfm DJ Zane Lowe to present the station's replacement for the Evening Session from July.

Lowe will front the 8pm-10pm slot on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, replacing the stop-gap presenter of the show, Colin Murray.

Described as having "adrenaline-filled musical passion", the New Zealander's signing is a boost to Radio 1's hopes for the new show, which was launched in January as a "fresh approach" following the axing of Steve Lamacq's Evening Session programme.

"This is a great opportunity for me to continue doing what I love but now it is going to be on a national platform," said Lowe.

"Zane is one of the most exciting presenters I've seen or heard in years; he has masses of energy and passion for the music which makes him absolutely the person to connect our listeners to the new bands and the artists they really care about," commented Andy Parfitt, Controller of Radio 1.

Xfm, who wished Lowe well for the future, have chosen Ian Camfield to present Lowe's Music: Response show from the end of March, resulting in afternoon and drivetime slots on the station for Iain Baker and Richard Bacon respectively.