This is the first time that Virgin, which openly declares its allegiance to a male rock-orientated audience, has employed a female to present the early evening slot. The 26-year-old replaces Daryl Denham who will switch to weekend breakfast.

Smith joined Virgin in August from a local radio station in Nottingham to present the 7-10pm show, Most Wanted. Early afternoon presenter Ben Jones is to take over from Smith in the new year, when the show will be revamped to include ...