Fearne Cotton replaces Jo Whiley in Radio 1 shake-up

The 44-year-old presenter, who hosts the 10am mid-morning show, will leave in September and take up a new weekend programme.

Cotton gets her new role in the biggest shake-up at the station for five years.

New role: Fearne Cotton (left) takes over from Jo Whiley in September

She already co-hosts weekend shows with Reggie Yates, which he will now continue to present alone.

"Taking on a weekday show is a dream come true", Cotton said. "Jo is leaving very big shoes for me to fill and it's nerve-wracking."

Also leaving her weekday show is Edith Bowman, who vacates her 1pm show and heads to the weekend breakfast programme. She will be replaced by early morning presenter Greg James.

Whiley had previously hosted a lunchtime show for Radio 1, as well as the Evening Session with Steve Lamacq.

In an interview with this month's The Word magazine she spoke about what she would like to do if her daytime slot ended, saying she wanted to conduct "in-depth interviews".

Whiley said she wanted to host Desert Island Discs, but she added: "I don't have a grand plan, I just want to carry on broadcasting."

She said today: "After eight wonderful years the time has come to move on and give someone else the privilege of entertaining the nation on a daily basis. I've had the most amazing time ever.

"The prospect of lie-ins, taking my kids to school and doing something new is, I confess, rather exciting.

"I will, of course, be taking the keys to the Live Lounge (her live music spot) with me to my new weekend show - so the live music will continue - but I'll be leaving behind a spare set for Fearne."

Other changes announced today include weekend breakfast host Dev moving to the early breakfast show vacated by James.

He said: "It's an honour to keep the nation company in the morning and, of course, warm up for Mr Moyles."

Ben Cooper, Radio 1's deputy controller, said: "I feel it's the right time to make these changes in order to offer our listeners some exciting new programmes."

Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said: "BBC Radio 1 must continue to change to connect with a new generation of audiences and this is a significant move, promoting three of our up-and-coming broadcasters into the heart of the schedule."

The changes kick in on September 21.