Sara dropped from breakfast

BBC Radio 1 DJ Sara Cox is to be dropped from the Breakfast Show with Chris Moyles set to replace her, the station announced today.

The shake-up will take place in January, three months before her contract for the slot ends.

Cox - who had been criticised for losing listeners - will move to Moyles' afternoon programme after three-and-a-half years on the key morning show.

The station, which is increasingly focusing on younger listeners and specialist music genres, recently saw its audience slip below 10 million for the first time.

Many believed the writing was on the wall for Cox who has 5.4 million adult listeners according to the most recent audience figures.

Moyles was the only presenter in the frame to take over.

Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt said: "I am absolutely delighted that Chris has agreed to host the new breakfast show.

"He was my first and only choice as successor to Sara who has done a great job over the last three-and-a-half years.

"In a market that is getting more competitive by the month I think Chris is going to be just what our audience is looking for."

Johnny Vaughan was recently unveiled as the new Breakfast Show host for London station Capital FM.

Moyles said today: "I am really chuffed - I've said for ages that I am the saviour of Radio 1, now it looks I am finally going to have the chance to prove it."

The exact date for the changeover has yet to be announced.

Cox - whose new slot will be 3pm to 5.45pm - said: "I have had a great time doing the Breakfast Show over the last few years, but I have to say the thought of finally being able to have a lie-in is extremely appealing."

Last year Moyles took a swipe at his Radio 1 colleague saying he could do a better job in the prized slot.

"I could absolutely kick anybody's arse on breakfast, ever," he said.

He said he barely listened to her show, preferring to watch Channel 4's Ri:se.

But in the same interview he cast doubt on whether he even wanted to have a shot at the Breakfast Show.

"Getting up at 4.30 every morning for a little bit more money and more hassle and half a million more listeners - is it worth it?" he asked.

Moyles is renowned for his near the knuckle humour, laddish chat and his appreciation of pub culture.

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