Nicky Campbell shifted to new 5 Live show
NICKY Campbell is leaving BBC 5 Live Breakfast after nearly 20 years – meaning a search for a replacement co-host to work with Rachel Burden.
The broadcaster will instead present a new 9-11am show on the station, extending his popular phone-in show through the morning.
The BBC have not named a successor. One option could be Tony Livesey, 57, who presents Drive. Nicky has hosted with Rachel, 46, for 10 years.
Nicky, 60, said: “I love 5 Live – hearing from listeners and talking to people about what really does matter to them and their communities.
“It’s a constant privilege hearing people’s passion, candour, anger and raw honesty. Our listeners make me listen. They make me think, laugh and cry. I can’t wait for this to start.
“Leaving Breakfast is really tough after so many unforgettable programmes with Rachel but I’ve been getting up at four am for 19 years now so it’s time I had a bit more sleep!”
The new show will mean that Naga Munchetty’s morning show from Monday to Wednesday will be reduced by an hour. It will now run from 11am to 1pm.
Adrian Chiles will also have his Thursday and Friday shows reduced to the same time from three hours.
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “The pandemic has shown just how deep Nicky’s connection is with our listeners.”