Major changes for Five Live line-up

BBC Radio 5 Live has made some major changes to its line-up, with presenters Gaby Logan and Richard Bacon getting new shows on the station.

Jane Garvey, the first voice heard on the network, will leave after 13 years because of family commitments.

Anita Anand joins Peter Allen from Monday October 8 to present the 5 Live Drive on weekdays, replacing Garvey, who has partnered with Allen in various programmes on 5 Live since 1994.

Anand said: "I am delighted and really rather honoured to be taking over on 5 Live Drive. Jane has always been a presenter I have admired and respected. To get the chance to work with a journalist of Peter's calibre is a joyous prospect."

Garvey said of her departure: "When we started in 1994 I thought of myself as hip and happening, and of Peter as a cantankerous old git. Thirteen years on and I'm a weary wife and mother and he's still a cantankerous old git. But I'm very proud of 5 Live and of everything we've achieved. It's easy to forget how many people thought the concept was bound to fail. In fact, the station has a unique bond with its audience and I'm happy I played a part in that."

Co-host Peter Allen joked: "We are likely to have a custody battle over the 6 Sony Awards we have won over the years, some of which have gone missing, but we will try to settle the matter without recourse to the courts."

Richard Bacon, who has presented on 5 Live for the last three years, has been given his own permanent slot on the station from 10pm on Monday–Thursday, from October 8. He said of his new role: "I think it's always best if possible to work for a radio station that you listen to. There's no station I listen to more than 5 Live and I think this show will be great fun."

Gabby Logan will present a two-hour news programme on Sunday mornings from 10-12, replacing Worricker On Sunday, starting in the new year. Logan has presented her own programme throughout the summer on Saturday mornings on 5 Live, and was on breakfast for a month earlier this year.

Logan said: "I'm delighted to be continuing my role on 5 Live. I feel it's my radio home now and I know what a strong programme Julian has developed over many years."

Until Logan joins, the programme format will continue in its current slot, presented by Rachel Burden.