JoAnne Good named as Danny Baker's replacement following 'pinheaded weasel' rant

Actress-turned-radio presenter JoAnne Good is taking over Danny Baker's afternoon show a month after he quit live on on air and branded BBC bosses "pinheaded weasels".

Good, who starred in ITV soap Crossroads and presented the late show on BBC London 94.9, started covering the afternoon slot in November but has now been named as its permanent host.

Baker, who also broadcasts on 5Live on Saturday mornings, quit on November 1 with a two-hour rant complaining about the pay his co-hosts were given and saying he hoped the decision-makers "choked" on their abacus beads.

The London station also announced that former GMTV presenter Penny Smith is joining Paul Ross on its Breakfast Show from next year.

Smith, who replaces Gaby Roslin, said: "I am thrilled to be working at BBC London 94.9. As one of the few people I know who genuinely loves to get up at 4am, I also couldn't have asked for a better show."

The station's managing editor, David Robey, said Smith, who started her career on the Peterborough Evening Telegraph before moving into television, would be "a fantastic addition" to the line-up.

It was also announced that former Spice Girl Emma Bunton will join Jamie Theakston as co-host of London's Heart Breakfast Show.

The singer already hosts The Saturday Show on the Heart network and will continue to present that 5pm slot.

She said: "I am so excited to be joining Heart Breakfast! Jamie and I have known each other for years so it'll be great spending each morning with him chatting, laughing and playing great music.

"We are looking forward to sharing the fun with everyone!"

Global Radio's director of broadcasting Richard Park said: "We are thrilled that Emma is bringing girl power to Heart Breakfast.

"Jamie and Emma have been friends for a long time and have a great natural chemistry that Londoners are going to love."

Bunton joins the breakfast show, from 6am, on Monday January 7.

PA