Anita Anand lands ‘Drive’ on BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 Live’s popular presenter Anita Anand is moving from her late night show to front the ‘Drive’ programme, in major schedule changes taking place at the station from Monday 8th October.

The ex-ZEE TV presenter has been with Radio 5 Live since 2005 after Matthew Bannister left the 22:00 chat show.

Anita Anand will join Peter Allen on the new sounding ‘Drive’ show. She replaces Jane Garvey who has partnered Peter Allen in various programmes on Radio 5 Live since 1994.

Anita 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. Drive is such an important news programme and I relish this new challenge.”

Peter Allen said: “Jane’s been a delight to work with ��� and very long suffering. Bear in mind our partnership has lasted longer than the average marriage at the BBC!

“Anita Anand is a terrific find for 5 Live, and has a great sense of humour, which is probably just as well.”

Meanwhile Richard Bacon will take over the late night show from Anita Anand on the same day.

Radio 5 Live Controller Bob Shennan said: “It’s the end of an era and I am really sad to lose Jane. She is a fantastic broadcaster and has played a major part in the station since its launch. I hope she will be back on it at some stage in the future.

“I’m delighted to welcome Anita, Richard and Gabby to new places in our schedule. They are all familiar voices to our listeners and great talents.”