Is Fitz set for Judi's job?

BBC Radio Devon afternoon presenter David Fitzgerald is poised to take over from soon-to-be-axed Judi Spiers, the Daily understands.

According to sources, some staff were told of the planned appointment this afternoon.

It had been thought that another of the station’s casualties, Matt Woodley, would be taking the slot.

David, like Judi, is not a BBC employee and operates on a freelance basis.

He is an all-round broadcaster and TV presenter having spent a spell of his career at Sky.

David is believed to get on well with BBC Radio Devon’s managing editor Mark Grinnell.

The two of them are pictured together on the station boss’s twitter account (left above).

An insider told me: “There was an announcement this afternoon but it was not widely made.

“Some staff were told that David will be replacing Judi by the management team.”

Judi  this morning told her audience that after 15 years in the job, this week would be her last.

A friend of Judi’s told the Daily the broadcaster was ‘saddened’ but wanted to continue until the bitter end for her listeners and team.

This is the latest controversial decision believed to have ben taken by Mr Grinnell.

In January, he ousted equally popular breakfast host Matt Woodley to make way for former BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Bates.

Meanwhile a twitter account @BringBackJudi has been set up calling for the broadcaster’s reinstatement.