SONIA Deol is to front the Drive Show on the BBC Asian Network, replacing current host Nikki Bedi who is leaving the station after six years.

Sonia, who currently presents a Friday afternoon show on the station, will move to the new weekday slot from Monday 8 February.

The Asian Network also confirmed that weekend breakfast presenter,Tommy Sandhu is to take over the drivetime slot.

“Bringing Sonia and Tommy into the heart of our daytime schedule gives us one of the most talented and engaging presenter line-ups not just on Asian Radio but on all Radio across the UK,” Vijay Sharma, Head of BBC Asian Network said.

Sonia said she was “really excited” about the new show.

“The Asian Network audience and I have grown up together, so I’m really excited about my new show,” she said.

“It’s going to be fun, real, sometimes cheeky, and ‘must listen to’ radio, even though starting on my birthday means I've had to cancel Akshay Kumar taking me out for the day, but I'd much rather be in the Asian Network studio broadcasting to the nation. Ok, that last bit isn't strictly true!”

The changes mean it’s the end of a long road for one presenter, Nikki Bedi, who will leave the station after six years.

Andy Parfitt, Controller, BBC Asian Network paid tribute to the radio host.

“I thank Nikki for her excellent contribution to the station over many years, I wish her well for the future and will be helping her develop her BBC radio career,” he said.