BBC Radio 2 is to make a change to its overnight schedule when it launches 'After Midnight' seven nights a week from October.

The in-house produced programme, which will include music and conversation, will air midnight to 03:00 and will be presented by Janice Long on Mondays to Thursdays and Alex Lester from Fridays to Sundays.

On weekday early mornings from 03:00 to 05:00, Radio 2 will broadcast repeat airings of its 'Sound of the…' shows with Brian Matthew, Johnnie Walker and Sara Cox. On Saturday and Sunday, Huey Morgan and Bob Harris' weekend programmes will occupy the 03:00 to 06:00 slot respectively.

Richard Allinson will lose his regular programme but will continue to act as a swing presenter for the station.

Bob Shennan, BBC Radio 2 controller, said: “I'm delighted that Janice and Alex will be hosting the new show, bringing music and entertainment to our faithful night-time audience. We have had to make some difficult decisions in light of our reduced budgets, which is why we are reducing some of our live originations overnight, but I’m pleased that we are able to offer this new live programme seven nights a week.”