John Suchet to replace Simon Bates on Classic FM morning show

Former newscaster John Suchet is to replace Simon Bates as Classic FM's morning show host

Bates is due to leave the station after 13 years to take up a new role with Smooth Radio, which is soon to broadcast nationally.

Suchet, 66, will start hosting the four-hour show which begins at 9am each weekday from January.

The broadcaster, a passionate fan of Beethoven who has written a number of books about the composer, currently hosts a weekend show for the station.

He said: "To be broadcasting live, five mornings a week, about my favourite subject is a dream come true and I cannot wait to become better acquainted with Classic FM's millions of listeners."

In recent years he has helped to raise awareness about the issues surrounding Alzheimer's disease after his wife Bonnie was diagnosed with the condition.

As a journalist Suchet, brother of Poirot actor David, spent more than 30 years working with ITN and earned the Royal Television Society's Lifetime Achievement Award.