Clare McDonnell to co-host Drive on BBC Radio 5 Live

Clare McDonnell will replace Anna Foster on BBC Radio 5 Live Drive with Tony Livesey from next month.

Clare has been with the BBC for over 20 years and was one of the original presenters on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Most recently she has been presenting programmes across the network, including Breakfast and Drive. Claire has previously worked at BBC Radio 1, BBC World Service, GLR, BBC Three and as breakfast host on BBC Radio Kent.

Clare said: “I loved 5 Live as a listener for many years before I got the opportunity to present on the network. Tony and I have great on-air chemistry, which is a gift to take into a new show. Together, I hope we can take the programme onto new heights and reflect the ever-changing lives of our audience. I can’t wait to transmit our joyful energy onto the airwaves and have a laugh with the listeners!”

Tony Livesey said: “I can’t wait to work with Clare again… and how great that this is a long-term appointment. She makes me think, she makes me sit up and take notice and she makes me laugh. I know our listeners will love her because when she’s stood-in to present the programme in the past they’ve sent many, many texts to the show to tell us. Roll on February 14th.” 
 
Heidi Dawson, Controller of BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Clare is a sharp journalist who gets to the heart of a story. She always wants to know how the news affects people’s lives. A natural broadcaster, Clare also has a great sense of humour and I know our listeners will enjoy spending more time with her on 5 Live. She has been a part of the station’s news programme team for some time and I’m delighted that she’ll now have a daily show with Tony Livesey.”

The new show, Drive with Clare and Tony starts on February 14th 2022 and airs from 4pm (5pm on Fridays) till 7pm.