Sonia Deol moves to Breakfast in Asian Network revamp

The BBC Asian Network has revealed some big changes in its programming ahead of its major revamp in April.

The big surprise comes in the move of the present Mid-Morning show host Sonia Deol being shifted to Breakfast. She takes over the programme bringing her lively style to the show honed through a career in radio and television including Network East on BBC2.

In another major shake-up, Drive host Nikki Bedi will be given the Lunch show, which will begin at 12:30pm daily after a special 30mins news update at midday. Afternoons will see the best of British and world Asian culture in the arts and the entertainment world with top guests and discussion. The new show will air from 12:30pm-16:00, which will result in the axe of Navinder Bhogal’s afternoon Hindi show.

Anita Rani (from weekend’s Hot Breakfast) will take over the reins from Sonia Deol and sit in the Mid-Morning discussion show. Anita has previously filled in on the programme and brings extensive television experience presenting Desi DNA on BBC2.

This naturally leaves a question mark hanging over current Breakfast host Gagan Grewal. It is currently unknown where he will moved to. However, with Nikki moving to an earlier slot in the day, this leaves the Drive position vacant.