BBC Radio Leeds presenter Rima Ahmed takes up new stint on BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 Live has announced that Rima Ahmed, currently the Breakfast presenter on BBC Radio Leeds, will be joining the national network as part of its refreshed Friday line‑up. She will co‑host the Friday Breakfast show alongside Steffan Powell, who has been appointed permanent co‑host for both Fridays and Sundays.

Rima joins the 5 Live team ahead of the summer World Cup, bringing her experience from regional broadcasting and her growing national profile. Alongside her work on Radio Leeds, she is well known for fronting the BBC Sounds podcast Strange But True Crime and for her occasional presenting on BBC Radio 4’s Saturday PM.

Despite her new national role, Rima will continue to present on BBC Radio Leeds from Monday to Thursday, maintaining her strong connection with local audiences.

Speaking about the move, Rima said she was excited to join a station that “puts listeners at the heart of its output” and described working with Steffan Powell as “a real joy”.