Derbyshire to host Five Live mid-morning show

Victoria Derbyshire has been named as the new host of BBC Radio Five Live's mid-morning show.

Derbyshire will begin presenting that show from summer of next year after a period of maternity leave. Until that time, Julian Worricker will continue to host the show. Derbyshire said:

"I'm thrilled; the people who listen to this show make it the best phone-in programme on British radio... some of the most priceless moments I've ever heard on the airwaves have come from the callers to the programme.

"It's been a privilege to work on Breakfast for five years and I've loved every minute of it.

"Next year will be special with a huge year of sport for Five Live so it's a brilliant time to be taking over the phone-in."

Five Live's controller, Bob Shennan, said:

"Victoria has been a mainstay of the station for over five years and I am delighted that she has agreed to host the phone in programme from next summer.

"2004 is a massive year for Five Live with two key sporting events, Euro 2004 and the Olympics, so it's great that Victoria will be in her new role to be part of that."