Zane Lowe to leave Radio 1 after 12 years

Zane Lowe performs on stage during Radio 1's Big Weekend in Glasgow last year. Credit: Mark Runnacles/PA Wire

DJ Zane Lowe has announced he is leaving Radio 1 after 12 years.

Lowe joined the station in 2003 and presented the weeknight 7-9pm slot for many years. His last show will be on 5th March.

The 41-year-old said he had "loved every minute of it" and that he had been privileged to "share incredible music with the country's best music fans".

Lowe will be moving to the US with his family to take up a new job at Apple.

Zane Lowe is credited with kickstarting the careers of many young musicians through his "hottest record in the world" feature, including Ed Sheeran.

The New Zealand national also became known for his exclusive interviews and live sessions with some of the biggest names in music.

Annie Mac will take over the Monday-Thursday 7-9pm slot. Credit: Katja Ogrin/EMPICS Entertainment

Annie Mac will fill the hole left by Lowe as well as continuing her Friday evening slot, but will leave her 'Musical Hot Water Bottle' show on Sunday evenings.

Mac, who began her career at Radio 1 as a broadcast assistant on Lowe's show, said she was "excited and humbled" to be replacing her former boss.

She added: "To be following in the footsteps of Zane Lowe, a broadcaster that I respect and admire enormously, is a huge honour. I can’t wait to get started.”