Clara Amfo announced as new host of BBC Radio One's Live Lounge after Fearne Cotton steps down

Clara Amfo has been announced as the new host of BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge after it was revealed that Fearne Cotton will be leaving the role.

Amfo currently co-hosts The Official Chart and the Weekend Breakfast Show on 1Xtra – a role that she will be stepping down from when she starts on Live Lounge.

The DJ described her new role as an “absolute joy”.

“I am honoured and thrilled to be presenting such a huge show on Radio 1,” she said. “The broadcasters who have gone before me have left an impressive trail and I hope to carry that on.

“Doing this job is an absolute joy and to now have the opportunity to broadcast Monday to Friday is something that I am so grateful for. I can't wait to introduce a Live Lounge artist for the first time!”

Cotton, 33, today revealed that she was leaving the station after 10 years.

In a statement titled "Here's to family and new adventures" on her website she wrote: "After much time and careful thought I have decided to leave Radio 1 after ten amazing years.

“I have had the most incredible decade broadcasting on Radio 1, meeting wonderful people, helping break artists and watching live music from the world’s best.

"I would like to thank Radio 1 for being such a great home and most of all to the listeners who have been on this journey with me. It’s such a kick to know you heard a band on my show first, or that the songs I've played have helped you through the day, so thank you."

The radio DJ also confirmed the news that she is expecting her second child with husband Jesse Wood.

“Jesse and I are very happy to announce we are having another baby," she wrote. "I feel extremely blessed and happy that Rex will be a big brother, and we get to welcome another Wood into the world.”