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Voice of Radio Solent mid-morning programme joins regional television team

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Solent presenter Jon Cuthill will be the new face of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ South's current affairs television programme Inside Out when the show returns in October.

Jon, who currently presents the radio station's mid-morning programme was born in Christchurch and has been working for the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ in the south for 10 years. He has hosted Radio Solent's mid-morning show for four years and has already presented several reports in the last series of Inside Out, as well as working on South Today and ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Video Nation.

Jon will present two series of the programme, which aims to bring viewers surprising stories from familiar places across the south. The last series regularly attracted audiences of more than 450,000 and will return to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One in the south from Monday 18 October at 7.30pm.

Jon said: "I still can't actually believe it. It's an amazing opportunity and I am over the moon to be joining such a fantastic team. I had so much fun when I worked with them on a couple of stories in the last series, so to get the gig full time is a real dream come true.

"Of course, I am really going to miss my Radio Solent listeners, they have the best sense of humour and it's been a pleasure talking to them for the last four years. But, hopefully, I'll see some of them when I am out about with Inside Out and they'll enjoy the new series."

Jon's new role now means Radio Solent is looking to fill his mid-morning shoes for the next year. Confirming the search is under way, and an announcement would be made in due course, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Solent's Managing Editor, Chris Carnegy, added: "Of course we're really happy for Jon as this is a fantastic opportunity, but he'll be sorely missed by his army of Solent fans.

"His quick wit and love for the region have made him a firm favourite, so he leaves big shoes to fill. The good news is that he's only across the corridor so I know we'll stay in touch".

Inside Out executive producer Jane French added: "Jon's such a genuine, warm presenter – he has a real gift with people. We were really impressed when he presented for us last season, so he seemed the perfect choice when Joe decided to move on.

"We delighted to have him onboard and I know the audiences will enjoy his efforts, too."

Jon takes over from Joe Crowley, who is moving on to report for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ's The One Show.

Praising Joe Crowley, Jane French said: "We always knew Joe is a great talent and we are so pleased he stayed with us for three fantastic years. His commitment, together with his confidence, compassion and sheer determination, has helped deliver some of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ South Inside Out's most challenging investigations and we, like our viewers, are going to miss him as he moves onto the next stage of his career."

And as he looks towards his new challenges on network television, Jon's predecessor, Joe Crowley, also wished the new presenter well.

Said Joe: "I'm sad to move on but, equally, I know I've been fortunate to have had three terrific years with an extremely talented team. I'll always be grateful the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ South team took a chance on me at the beginning of my career and over six series I'm proud to have been part of the original journalism and compelling current affairs television we broadcast.

"The variety of Inside Out is always a challenge but having worked with Jon it's clear to me there's no one with better wit, experience and energy - he's perfect for the programme in every way.

"While there are new challenges ahead, I won't be straying far in the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One schedule, appearing regularly as a reporter on the One Show, continuing on Country Tracks and Real Rescues, and I'm currently filming a new ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One daytime show to be aired in the next year."

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ South Inside Out with Jon Cuthill returns to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One from Monday 18 October at 7.30pm.

Pictures of Jon are available.

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