POPULAR radio presenter Adil Ray takes over the reins of the BBC Asian Network breakfast show (6-9am) in the New Year.

Current breakfast presenter on the national digital radio station Jas Rao swaps roles with Adil and will present the drive show in a new weekday timeslot of 3.00pm - 6.00pm.

Gagan Grewal whose Hindi Urdu show combines news, discussion and celebrity interviews starts an extended show at 6.30pm – 8.00pm weekdays.

The Wrap news show presented by Rozina Sini will have two slots in the new schedule 12.00-12-30pm and 6.00pm-6.30pm, with all the news, sport and entertainment from across Asian Britain and the world.

Adil Ray’s unique style has gained him plaudits across radio and TV and his Drive show won the award for best Radio Show at the UK Asian Music Awards (AMAs) in 2008. The Birmingham born presenter made his name on commercial radio with Galaxy FM. He started at Asian Network in 2002 and also regularly presented Desi DNA on BBC TWO as well as his own show on BBC THREE.

Asian Network controller, Andy Parfitt said: "I am delighted that Adil will present breakfast. Overall this is an important step in the Asian Network’s development. We’re also extending our news and daily language output in addition to making these key presenter changes."