The BBC have announced that Tim Westwood will be leaving BBC radio as part of plans to shake up Saturday broadcasts.

Westwood has been a DJ on BBC radio for the last 20 years and had been appearing on 1Xtra until being dropped in favour of a 12 hour simulcast with BBC Radio 1.

Ben Cooper who is the controller for Radio 1 said: "I'd like to thank Tim for the last 20 years on Radio 1 - his passion for hip-hop is legendary - I wish him all the very best."

The new line-up for Saturday nights includes MistaJam, Charlie Sloth and DJ Target and Cooper seemed very excited over the new names saying: "I'm very excited about having a great new line up for the next generation of Radio 1 and 1Xtra listeners."

The new DJs also seemed extremely excited to be fitting into their new roles with MistaJam saying: "It's an absolute honour to be given the chance to lead the 1Xtra takeover of Radio 1 on a Saturday night.

"I've grown up listening to Trevor Nelson and he's still at the top of his game so it's a dream come true."

Sloth further added: "Words can't describe how happy I am, it's like a dream come true for me and something that I've worked towards my whole career, especially to be succeeding a legend like Tim Westwood who has done so much for the game. I know they are big shoes to fill, but luckily, man's got fat feet."

Tim Westwood has become a massive figure in hip hop and rap music through his radio show. He is known worldwide and is normally the first stop for any big US artist from the hip hop scene.

He is the latest DJ to get the axe from growing pressure to reduce the average listening age of Radio 1 and make way for new presenters.

The almost surprisingly (55 year old) has had a colourful career and has been involved in various incidents including a drive by shooting in 1999 in London.

In an interview Tim said:

"One bullet went through my arm the other went through my car seat which was an inch away from my spine."

He has also come under fire from David Cameron for encouraging knife and gun crime.