Nelson and Westwood join 1Xtra

1Xtra announced today a series of changes to its mainstream and specialist schedule, with DJs Trevor Nelson and Tim Westwood joining the station.

Nelson will a host new breakfast show from October 8 alongside new signing Zena, with the show shifting to an 8am-11 am slot. Westwood will present a new two-hour hip hop show exclusive to 1Xtra on Sunday nights from 10pm.

Nelson said: "It makes total sense for me to be joining 1Xtra. I've been at the forefront of black music at Radio 1 and this opportunity was too good for me to pass up. It's the flagship breakfast show on the BBC's dedicated black music station."

Both Westwood and Nelson will continue to present their shows on sister station Radio 1.

Westwood said: "1Xtra have made a tremendous contribution to black music over the last five years. I'm very proud and excited to be part of such a great station."

The station says the refreshed schedule will reflect "an evolution of 1Xtra's music priorities and has been designed to ensure the station continues to champion the most important black music."

Andy Parfitt, controller Radio 1 & 1Xtra said: "This is chapter two for 1Xtra as we continue to grow the station. We have the cream of DJ talent showcasing the best black music around and in Trevor and Tim Westwood, the two biggest players in R n B and Hip Hop. It is important that UK digital radio grows for all audiences, including the young - this evolution of the station is a critical part of building awareness and audiences to digital."

Other changes which will be put in place beforehand in September include UK hip hop specialist MistaJam's new show featuring underground music and house DJ Footloose and Hip Hop specialist Sarah Love joining the station to present new mix shows.

From 10pm each night, 1Xtra will handover to specialist music experts Like Ronnie Herel, Robbo Ranx, Bailey, Target and Semtex to cover RnB, Dancehall, Drum & Bass, UKG and Hip Hop.

Crissy Criss has been promoted to an earlier slot on Monday nights from 12am. Dev will be been moved from his weekend show in October to the early breakfast show, 6am-8am weekdays. At the same time, Max takes over a new afternoon show 2pm-4pm mixing news, music, entertainment and debate

Twin B gains two new shows on Saturday and Sunday mornings 6am-9am, and Ronnie Herel gains a new Saturday chart show (1pm-4pm) and a Sunday show (1pm-4pm).

Following the revamp a number of DJs will be leaving the station. These include Ayesha, G Money, DJ Flight, Blakey, Richie Vibe Vee, L Double, Aaron Ross, Silver Star, Rodney P & Skitz and Fitz.

Jason & Iyare will no longer present on 1Xtra, but continue to work with the BBC via their independent production company On It Industries.