BROADCASTER Alan Simpson is being axed from the afternoon slot on BBC Radio Ulster in a shake-up of the station's schedule.
The presenter will be replaced by Kerry McLean from Monday to Thursday and Gerry Kelly on Fridays.
Mr Simpson has hosted Radio Ulster's 3pm-5pm slot for the past seven years after replacing long-running presenter George Jones in November 2006.
He will present his final show on Christmas Eve following a week of special programmes with guests including golfer Darren Clarke, Olympian Dame Mary Peters and The Priests.
Mr Simpson, from Portrush in Co Antrim, said yesterday he has thoroughly enjoyed his time presenting the afternoon slot on Radio Ulster. "Seven years ago I was given a unique opportunity to present a programme on BBC Radio Ulster and every day since then, whenever the 'on air' light has gone on at 3pm, has been an incredible experience," he said.
Mr Simpson has had a new series commissioned for Radio Ulster focusing on the north coast, which will be broadcast next year.
Kerry McLean, from Ballymoney in Co Antrim, who is married to fellow BBC presenter Ralph McLean, has been presenting on Saturday mornings on Radio Ulster over the past six years.
The 38-year-old said: "I'm so excited that I'm getting to replicate the fun and games four times a week in the afternoons."
Gerry Kelly will present his new Friday-afternoon programme in addition to his Saturday show, which has been running for four-and-a-half years.
The presenter (65), who formerly fronted his own Friday-night chatshow on UTV, said: "It's going to be brilliant being back broadcasting on a Friday."
As part of the shake-up, Kim Lenaghan will host on Saturday mornings from 7am-8am and Sundays 7am-8.30am.
The afternoon and weekend scheduling changes will begin on Saturday January 18 next year.
* SHAKE-UP: Alan Simpson
* EXCITED: Kerry McClean