BROADCASTER Sean Coyle has been given a temporary reprieve after being axed by the BBC.
The 72-year-old will return to present a new daily programme on Radio Foyle - just weeks after his popular morning radio show was dropped.
The cancellation caused anger amongst the broadcaster's fans and prompted a string of complaints, including from SDLP leader Colum Eastwood and Sinn Féin Foyle MP Elisha McCallion.
Lisa McGee, writer of hit Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, also branded the decision “madness”.
Mr Coyle formed a long-running partnership with legendary broadcaster Gerry Anderson and took over his 10.30am slot after Mr Anderson's death in 2014.
The broadcaster will return to the airwaves with his new BBC show, which will run until spring.
"Since I said it was my last show a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been overwhelmed by the response from listeners asking me to come back on air," he said.
"So as a way of thanking them for their support, I’m going to be playing mine and their favourite songs on BBC Radio Foyle. We’ll be able to say a bit more about it soon and I hope that people will listen in and be part of it all."
Eddie Doyle, senior head of production at BBC NI, said: "We had always hoped that Sean would continue presenting a regular show on the BBC for a bit longer and I’m pleased that we can now confirm this news.
"We know that Sean’s departure from the weekday morning schedule has concerned many listeners. None of that has been easy. But the good news is that he’ll be now be bringing his unique mix of music, fun and audience interaction to the Foyle schedule.
"We expect to release details about Sean’s new BBC Radio Foyle programme over the next few weeks."
Mr Eastwood last night welcomed Mr Coyle's reprieve.
"Great news that Sean Coyle will be back on Radio Foyle," he tweeted.
Ms McCallion also welcomed the news.
"Great news that Sean Coyle will be back on the airwaves with his new daily show," she tweeted.
"Sean has been a familiar voice on the radio in Derry for many years and the decision to bring him back is the right one.
"I look forward to tuning in and hearing him bring the team back onto the pitch."
