Xfm brings in Popworld's Simon Amstell to replace Gervais and Merchant

by Ben Bold, Brand Republic 15-Jul-05, 14:30

LONDON - Xfm has signed up Channel 4's 'Popworld' presenter and stand-up comedian Simon Amstell to replace Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on their Saturday show.

The mouthy Amstell will take up the mike from Saturday July 16 until mid-September, when comedians Adam and Joe will return to the station.

His 1pm-3pm show will comprise a mix of music and celebrity chat. Amstell's first broadcast will include an interview with up-and-coming rock group Do Me Bad Things and comedian and actress Catherine Tate.

Over the past couple of years, Amstell has been making a name for himself on the stand-up comedy circuit. Most of his material plays on the fact that he is homosexual and Jewish.

Xfm's programme director Andy Ashton said: "Simon is one of the most exciting and intelligent presenters out there. Be it TV or radio, his unique approach sets him apart from the rest and it has long been an ambition of mine to get him back on Xfm."

The station recently revamped its weekend schedule, which includes the Sony Award-winning Lucio at breakfast time and a higher profile slot for Xfm's hip-hop programme. Other DJs on the weekend line-up include comedian and TV presenter Jimmy Carr.

Gervais and Merchant have just concluded a six-week run at the station, having finished writing and filming 'The Office' follow-up 'Extras'. They are set to film a second series of 'Extras'.

In September, Adam and Joe will return to the station for the third time, having replaced Gervais and Merchant twice before.

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