BBC presenter Colin Murray leaves for talkSPORT

Last month the BBC had to apologise over a section of Murray's Fighting Talk programme which saw discussion on whether gay presenter Clare Balding could be cured

Colin Murray is leaving Radio 5 Live for talkSPORT (PA)

BBC presenter Colin Murray is leaving Radio 5 Live for talkSPORT.

The Northern Irishman, who also fronts Match of the Day 2 on a Sunday night, hit the headlines last month over a radio segment featuring discussion on whether openly gay presenter Clare Balding could be “turned around”.

Murray, who started his BBC career at Radio 1, will start on a weekday sports show next month.

He said: “I'm truly excited about creating this programme, and I hope it will become the morning 'go to' for UK sports fans. I will be joined by fascinating and knowledgeable guests every day offering up different opinions on issues and topics that you want to hear about throughout the week.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working on my 5 Live shows and with the BBC team and look forward to continuing my relationship with BBC Sport TV and 6 Music.”

Jonathan Wall, controller of Radio 5 Live, said: “Colin leaves with our very best wishes having done such a good job on Fighting Talk over the last seven years, and on 5 Live Sport over the last four years, especially during the Olympics.”

The BBC had to apologise last month when a live version of Fighting Talk included a satirical section called "Defend the Indefensible" in which comic Bob Mills was asked to justify the argument : “Give me 20 minutes with her and I'm pretty sure I could turn around Clare Balding.”

During the section, Mills described Balding as a “horse woman” who “appreciates power between her thighs." This was cut from the iPlayer version of the show.

A BBC spokeswoman admitted they had “got it wrong” and it was “inappropriate”.

the Corporation said the show will continue with a new presenter.

Murray was dropped as host of Match Of The Day 2 at the end of last season and will be replaced by Mark Chapman later this year.