The BBC Asian Network announces today (29 April 2010) that Tommy Sandhu will host a brand new breakfast show from Monday 7 June. The station has confirmed that current weekend breakfast show presenter Noreen Khan will replace Tommy in his current drive time slot and will start on Tuesday 1 June.

The changes to the daytime schedule will see the current breakfast host Adil Ray leaving the station on Friday 4 June.

Andy Parfitt, Controller, BBC Asian Network says: “I’m delighted that Tommy has agreed to host the breakfast show. He is a talented broadcaster and will bring energy to the show. This gives us a very strong daytime line up to take us forward.”

Tommy Sandhu adds: “My dad used to come into my room in the morning, pull the duvet off and tell me I was late. It was, without doubt, the most horrible way to wake up! But my listeners can be assured of a much better start to the day – it’s all about getting up with the radio, singing along to your favourite song and easing yourself into the world. I’m more excited about it than my mum is in an Indian suit shop!”

After nine very strong years at the station, Adil Ray is moving on to pursue other radio and TV projects including comedy acting and writing.

Andy Parfitt says: “Adil has made a huge contribution to the station over the last nine years and we’d like to thank him for that and wish him every success for the future.”

Adil Ray says: “I thank the entire team and of course the listeners. It is with their love and support that I am able to go on and explore the exciting world of comedy and acting. I feel now the time is right to take on these challenges and hope to be working across a number of BBC platforms and beyond. I wish the station and everyone connected to it all the very best for the future"

The changes follow Sonia Deol’s return to the station earlier this year to present the station’s weekday morning show.

Notes to Editors

Early morning presenter Waqas Saeed will host the drive time show from 26 – 31 May.

The new weekend breakfast show presenter will be announced in the following weeks.

The new look daytime schedule from the 7 June 2010 will be:

5am-6am Devotional Sounds

6am-7am Waqas Saeed

7am-10am        Tommy Sandhu

10am-12.30pm    Sonia Deol

12.30pm-1pm     Asian Network Reports

1pm-3pm Nihal

3pm-6pm Noreen Khan

6pm-6.30pm      Asian Network Reports

6.30pm-8pm      Gagan Grewal