The BBC has confirmed Anna Foster’s replacement on its 5 Live Drive show.
Clare McDonnell will join Tony Livesey from February at the MediaCityUK-based station.
Already a familiar voice on the network, McDonnell has previously presented shows at Breakfast and Drive, as well as programmes on Radio 1, 6 Music and BBC Three.
“I loved 5 Live as a listener for many years before I got the opportunity to present on the network,” she said.
“Tony and I have great on-air chemistry, which is a gift to take into a new show. Together, I hope we can take the programme onto new heights and reflect the ever-changing lives of our audience. I can’t wait to transmit our joyful energy onto the airwaves and have a laugh with the listeners!”
Tony Livesey added:
“I can’t wait to work with Clare again… and how great that this is a long-term appointment. She makes me think, she makes me sit up and take notice and she makes me laugh. I know our listeners will love her because when she’s stood-in to present the programme in the past they’ve sent many, many texts to the show to tell us. Roll on February 14th.”
She replaces Foster, who originally presented Drive alongside Peter Allen in 2013. Last year, it was announced that she would be leaving to become the BBC’s Middle East correspondent.
“Clare is a sharp journalist who gets to the heart of a story. She always wants to know how the news affects people’s lives. A natural broadcaster, Clare also has a great sense of humour and I know our listeners will enjoy spending more time with her on 5 Live. She has been a part of the station’s news programme team for some time and I’m delighted that she’ll now have a daily show with Tony Livesey,” said Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live.
