DJ Pearce to leave Radio 1

Dance DJ Dave Pearce is leaving Radio 1 as part of a revamp of the station's early-hours schedule.

Pearce, who currently hosts the Friday night Dance Anthems show, quits in October after 13 years.

DJ Eddie Halliwell, who presents a two-hour show in the early hours of Friday morning, and has been at Radio 1 for two years, will also leave.

Pearce said: "It's been an incredible 13 years at Radio 1, of all the shows I've presented Dance Anthems is the one I'm most proud of creating and I am delighted that even in our recent late night slot we increased audience.

"It's time to move on but I have some exciting new radio projects to come."

The new schedule will see Tim Westwood's Saturday night rap show extended by an hour and include reggae dancehall DJ Goldfinger.

DJs Heidi Van den Amstel and Jaymo and Andy George join the BBC station, with once-a-month slots at 2am.

Other new arrivals in the early-hours include MistaJam from 1Xtra to play black music genres.

Kissy Sell Out and Kutski, who currently host shows once a month on Radio 1, will be given weekly slots and Judge Jules will move two hours earlier to 11pm on Friday nights.