Bev in, Ross out in WM shake-up

Veteran broadcaster Les Ross is leaving BBC WM and rock star Bev Bevan named as a new broadcaster as part of a shake-up of staff at the station.

Ross, who was voted DJ of the Year in 1965, will be leaving his afternoon show at the station on April 6 after four years. The 2pm to 4pm show will be taken over by Danny Kelly. It is unclear if Ross has resigned or been axed. The station has also confirmed Midlands historian and Express and Star columnist Carl Chinn will be taking over Kelly's show.

That is currently broadcast on a Sunday morning between 10am and 1pm.

Former ELO drummer Bev Bevan will be joining that station alongside ex-BRMB DJ Jimmy Franks to present a new afternoon Sunday show between 2pm and 4pm. The announcement follows recent changes to the daytime schedule introduced last month.

Keith Beech, Managing Editor at BBC WM, said: "Les is a West Midlands radio legend. He's given us a great deal over the years. It's been a privilege to work with him. As Les leaves us I'm delighted to see Danny return to BBC WM's weekday schedule and join our exciting new presenter line up."

Kelly, aged 38, from Leamington Spa joined the BBC in 2000 as a reporter and previously hosted the afternoon show back in 2005. He later moved to a late-night slot on the station in 2007 which was hit by BBC cutbacks.

"I can't wait to get back on the airwaves and mainstream daytime radio," said fully qualified chef Danny. "Obviously, Les is a broadcasting legend and I have total respect for the man.

"But I am not nervous about taking over from him because I have already done it in the past. The show will be sandwiched between two news orientated programmes in terms of Ed Doolan and Paul Franks so I think people need a bit of a change in between."

Meanwhile, Mollie Green is leaving her weekday morning show and moving to a Saturday morning slot.