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Following the announcement today that Jo Whiley is to front a new evening show on Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio 2, the presenter is to bid a fond farewell to Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio 1 after 17 years with the station.

Jo currently hosts weekend afternoons (1-4pm) on Radio 1 but will leave at the end of March to take up her new Radio 2 programme, handing over her slot to Radio 1's new music champion, Huw Stephens.

Ben Cooper, Deputy Controller, Radio 1, says: "Jo has been an amazing ambassador for Radio 1. From the Britpop days of the Evening Session, via the muddy fields of Glastonbury, to incredible performances in the Live Lounge, her passion for breaking new bands has been second to none."

Huw Stephens became the youngest ever Radio 1 presenter when he joined the station, aged just 17, in 1999 to front the Nations output. Since then he has built a solid reputation within the music industry for being a prominent tastemaker and for being passionate about discovering and supporting new and unsigned talent.

Huw currently presents two weekly shows on Radio 1 on Wednesdays (9-10pm and 12midnight-2am). Under the move he will continue to host his later show, concentrating on the finest new music and unpredictable emerging talent.

He has presented several documentaries for Radio 1 as well as regularly deputising for both specialist and daytime DJs, reflecting his broad appeal. In 2009 he was crowned The Independent newspaper's DJ of the Year and was a nominee in last year's Sony Awards for Best Specialist Music Programme.

Huw is also a key presenter of Radio 1's live music broadcasts, hosting the Ö÷²¥´óÐã Introducing stages at Reading & Leeds Festivals, Radio 1's Big Weekend, Glastonbury and Sonar.

Ben Cooper says: "Huw is loved by artists and listeners alike. His ability to introduce you to new music, as well as make you smile, will make his new weekend show a must listen."

Huw says: "I love presenting on Radio 1 and can't wait to present my own weekend show. Taking over from Jo Whiley is a real honour. She's a brilliant broadcaster and an inspiration and I hope to continue with Jo's enthusiasm and love for music on the show. My current shows give me the chance to dig deep and champion exciting emerging music, so I look forward to adding new sounds to weekend afternoons."

Matt Edmondson will take over Huw's Wednesday 9-10pm slot with a brand-new exciting show. Matt recently covered Sara Cox's Radio 1 Sunday show while she was on maternity leave and is a regular entertainment commentator on Fearne Cotton's Radio 1 show.

ER