A SHAKE-up of local radio drivetime shows is set to benefit a Bury-born presenter.

Bauer Media has announced that the programme Gemma Atkinson co-hosts with West Butters will be syndicated to seven regional stations.

This means the end of the road for drivetime hosts like Pete Otway, at Rock FM in Preston, and his counterparts at independent outfits in Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Newcastle, Sheffield and the West Midlands.

The former Hollyoaks and Emmerdale actress is currently on maternity leave but is scheduled to return to the show at a later date.

Gary Stein, group programming director for Hits Radio Network, said he was “excited” to be bringing Wes and Gemma’s show to the cities from September 2.

He also paid tribute to the efforts of departing presenters.

He added: “Our ambition is first and foremost to provide programming best suited to the needs of our listeners in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Our research has identified an opportunity to create a new drive show that combines all the elements our listeners want.”