In something akin to one of those hostage swaps, Richard Bacon and Lucio will be swapping slots and floors within the GCap network when the former returns to Xfm while the latter moves on up to Capital Radio.
Former Big Breakfast host Richard Bacon first garnered popularity for his radio work via Xfm before taking over the drive time show at GCap's flagship station Capital just over a year ago. Lucio, meanwhile, joined Xfm last year to take over its drive time slot from Lauren Laverne after she moved over to breakfast. Now they will swap places - Bacon hosting Xfm drive time, Lucio the same slot on Capital.
Capital Radio, of course, has struggled in recent years against ever increasing competition from Heart and Magic. Both Bacon and fellow flagship presenter Johnny Vaughan survived a radical revamp at the station at the start of the year, but with listening figures still disappointing management, and following the axing of the station's MD, Keith Pringle, back in April, further schedule changes have been expected.
Confirming the show swap, GCap Operations Director Steve Orchard told reporters yesterday: "In Richard, we have a presenter who is already well-liked by the Xfm audience and with Lucio - while he has already proved popular on Xfm - I believe he can reach new heights at the reinvigorated Capital Radio."
On his move back to Xfm, Bacon added: "I have enjoyed my time at Capital, but I am looking forward to a return to my radio home at Xfm."