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Michelle McManus leaves BBC Radio Scotland as new line-up announced

News imageDemus/BBC Scotland Michelle McManus, with bright orange hair wearing a sequin dress.Demus/BBC Scotland
McManus will leave BBC Radio Scotland next month

Michelle McManus is set to leave BBC Radio Scotland as the broadcaster announced a shake-up of its daytime radio presenters.

The former pop idol winner will host her last show on the Afternoons slot on 29 May . She is being replaced by Grant Stott with BBC Scotland's Landward presenter Arlene Stuart taking over on Fridays.

Connie McLaughlin has been confirmed as presenter of Radio Scotland's Mornings programme three days per week.

McLaughlin had temporarily stepped in to replace Kaye Adams who was taken off air last year following a internal complaint about her conduct.

McLaughlin said: "I thoroughly enjoy the lively three hours spent with Radio Scotland listeners debating the issues of the day and hearing all their views. I'm looking forward to continuing and building that relationship."

Stephen Jardine will continue to host the show on Thursdays and Fridays.

News imageBBC Scotland Kaye Adams smiling straight at the camera. She is wearing a blue shirt and is standing against a grey background.BBC Scotland
Kaye Adams was taken off air last October following an internal complaint

It was confirmed in February that Adams would not be returning to the show after she was taken off air in October last year.

At the time she said her name had been "dragged through the mud" and that the corporation had not given her the details of the allegations.

The Times has since reported that some complaints against Adams were upheld, but others were rejected.

The BBC said it would not comment on individuals or internal processes.

News imageA composite image. on the left is a man and woman laughing . the woman has her hand on the mans shoulder. on the right is a woman with long brown hair.
Grant Stott and Arlene Stuart will join Connie McLaughlin on BBC Radio Scotland

BBC Scotland said the new line-up for Afternoons, in place from 1 June, would "bring audiences a lively mix of music, chat and big interviews, with a focus on the vibrant arts, culture and entertainment scene in Scotland and beyond".

The current afternoon presenters, McManus, Len Pennie and Nicola Meighan, will step down.

McManus began presenting Afternoons in 2023, and also presents the Entertainment Mix.

She has appeared in a number of BBC Scotland documentaries, most recently one about her journey to sing for the Pope.

Victoria Easton Riley, head of audio and events at BBC Scotland, said: "Grant is already a firm favourite with Radio Scotland audiences through The Vinyl Collective, and Arlene is an experienced radio and television broadcaster who we know brings a real warmth and connection to listeners.

"We're enormously grateful to Michelle, Len and Nicola for the energy, creativity and passion they've brought to the programme."

Grant Stott said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be returning to Afternoons. The Radio Scotland audience is a warm, curious and engaging bunch and I can't wait to dive back in.

"We'll be bringing listeners everything they need to stay plugged into Scotland's buzzing arts and culture scene, all with the perfect soundtrack."

Arlene Stuart said she was excited to be hosting the show on Friday afternoons.

"I love radio and the connection it brings with listeners, I can't wait to get behind the mic and get the conversations started," she said.

Mornings, presented by Connie McLaughlin Monday-Wednesday and Stephen Jardine Thursday-Friday will continue to be broadcast between 09:00-12:00.

The changes come six months after a new-look radio breakfast programme aired on BBC Radio Scotland, front by Laura MacIver and Martin Geisler.