ANITA RANI is to join BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour as presenter alongside Emma Barnett, who became the show's main host.
An RTS Award winning broadcaster with a career spanning nearly 20 years, Anita Rani is a hugely popular presenter.
As one of the lead presenters on BBC One's Countryfile, Anita has become a familiar face on British television whilst also presenting a range of explorative documentaries for the BBC including Bollywood: The World's Biggest Film Industry; My Family, Partition And Me: India 1947 and most recently, War On Plastic alongside Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
Anita joined the BBC's Asian Network in 2005 as presenter of the Weekend Breakfast show and is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 2.
At the age of just 14 she had her own radio show on Sunrise Radio in Bradford.
Anita's first programme will be Friday, January 15 and she will present the Friday and Saturday editions of the programme.
Anita said: "I've long been a fan of Woman's Hour and admired the presenters who have hosted the show previously, so I cannot wait to become part of it myself as second presenter, alongside the brilliant Emma Barnett.
"I am really looking forward to getting to know the listeners and discussing issues that matter to them the most.
"Woman's Hour has always given a voice to people who may not be heard elsewhere and I want to continue that important tradition. What an honour and what a way to kick off the weekend."
Mohit Bakaya, Controller of Radio 4, said: "I want Radio 4 to continue to seek ways to better reflect and be relevant to the audience across the UK, and Woman's Hour has a special role in this when it comes to subjects and stories that matter to women.
"I am delighted Anita Rani is joining the programme.
"She brings a wealth of broadcasting experience as well as a perspective and insight that will be valuable when exploring the issues facing women today.
"With Emma Barnett and Anita presenting, Woman's Hour couldn't be in better hands."
Woman's Hour broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 at 10am Mondays-Fridays, and 4pm on Saturdays. It can be listened to live or as a daily podcast on BBC Sounds.
