'Bring back Hirsty': Thousands of radio fans call for DJ's return after gender change

Stephanie Hirst revealed her change of gender last week. Credit: Kyte Photography

Thousands of radio fans have called for the return of a hugely popular radio DJ Stephanie Hirst after she revealed she was transgender.

The former Capital FM Yorkshire DJ - who was previously known as Simon - left the station in June and revealed her change of gender last week in an interview with BBC Radio Five Live.

She has since said she had dreamed of revealing her true identity for 20 years, adding: "I'm still the same person - just when I see a nice handbag, I don't have to think it, I can say it."

After she received numerous messages of support, a Facebook group set up calling for her return to the airwaves has already been joined by more than 20,000 people - with messages urging her to be returned "where she belongs" as soon is she is ready.

Stephanie started out in radio aged just 12 and was hosting a Radio Aire overnight show by 16.

After a while she moved to her local station, Sheffield's Hallam FM, in 1997 - with a penchant for hair gel alluded to in this recent tweet.

'Hirsty' has been a regular fixture in Yorkshire radio over the years since - and listeners are keen for her to return to her former role.

With the support of those fans ringing in her ears, 'Hirsty' made her first public appearance as a woman today - and was clearly delighted to reveal her "real self".