BBC Asian Network has formally announced Nikita Kanda as the new host of the Breakfast Show.

Nikita first joined Asian Network in 2021 as a Saturday afternoon host, before she temporarily hosted the Breakfast show since July.

During her short time she has interviewed stars including Akon, Nadia Hussain and Paul Choudhry and even ate crickets live on air.

Nikita said: ”I’m really excited to be taking on the breakfast show permanently. It’s the only job that I have ever jumped out of bed at 4am for because I love radio. Every day is different you never know what you’re going to get.

“Over the last few months, the listeners have become my best friends. I don’t know what I would do without them as they provide the endless daily laughs and banter and are the main focus of the show.

"I can’t wait to get stuck in to more ‘Kanda Chaos’ as my producers like to call it. Just make sure to join in for this crazy ride, I promise you it will be a lot of FUN!”

Head of Asian Network Ahmed Hussain said: “Nikita’s done a great job covering for the past six months, and I’m really pleased we can now say that she will permanently be part of everyone’s morning routine! I’m looking forward to a lot more laughs and our listeners getting involved in the show. It’s going to be an exciting time.

“I’m also really pleased to announce our new titles made especially for audiences to consume whenever they want. Asian Network Motivation will do exactly as it does on the tin, with some great beats to get you up and motivated.

"Asian Network Celebrates is a chance for us to showcase some of the biggest South Asian legends for our listeners to consume at any time!”