Judi Spiers

Picture the scene…

As a management team you’ve had months to plan the departure of one of your radio station’s biggest stars.

Not only that she has served you for 15 years.

Not only that, you are the BBC.

Smooth, slick, organised, disciplined, measured, understanding conciliatory.

All the things you’d expect. Except that didn’t happen!

Instead there was, in the words of one insider, “pandemonium”.

I have been told that the BBC Radio Devon executive team simply were not prepared for the volume of calls and emails they received after...

The departure of Judi Spiers from BBC Radio Devon also looks set to herald the end of daytime live broadcasting from Exeter.

From Monday, Chris Diniss's Radio Exe programme will be the only daytime radio show – commercial or BBC – to broadcast from Exeter.

Radio Exe’s managing director Paul Nero told the Daily: "Clearly some listeners may be unconcerned that shows that purport to be local actually come from Plymouth, as with the BBC from next week, or London, as with Heart.

"We’ve long been the only professional station that’s made in Devon, all day, every day. Now...

As exclusively revealed by the Exeter Daily yesterday, David Fitzgerald is to take over the presenting slot currently occupied by Judi Spiers.

Fitz and his Producer Monica Ellis will be moving to the Mid-Morning Show on BBC Radio Devon from Monday 6 July.

The BBC also announced this afternoon that Pippa Quelch will be the new voice of Drive Time.

Pippa, who was born and grew up in Devon, will present a mixture of news, travel and music each weekday from 5pm – 7pm in her new Drive Time Show.

Pippa currently presents the Sunday morning show on the station, ‘...

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...

A twitter account has been set up calling on BBC bosses to save popular presenter Judi Spiers’ show from the axe.

The Radio Devon stalwart told her audience this morning that this week would be her last.

She said: "This is my last week. But boy we've had some good times. We've had some dodgy times as well but on the whole we've had some good ones. We've had some dark times in recent days but hopefully they'll be blown away.”

It is not clear why the show is being dropped but the Daily understands it was not Judi’s choice to leave and that she is deeply saddened....

What on earth is going on at BBC Radio Devon?

In January, breakfast show presenter Matt Woodley’s services were dispensed with and now it emerges station stalwart Judi Spiers has been given the boot.

The moves obviously make sense to station bosses but, to the outsider, it appears to be sheer madness.

Judi’s show was incredibly popular with listeners – testament to that the huge volume of calls, emails and texts she received every day.

She was also one of the few presenters to spare time to host events and put her name to charity efforts.

But after...

WESC Foundation - The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment announces the appointment of local celebrity, Judi Spiers as its first Ambassador. A school and college for children, young people and adults with sight loss based in Topsham Road, Exeter, was established 176 years ago. The charity made the announcement of its new Ambassador, at a private event held for 20 guests in the ‘Dart Room’, overlooking the finishing line at Exeter Racecourse at the ‘Family Day’ race day. Local celebrity, Judi Spiers has been a great compere and host for many fundraising events over the years and an...

Over 250 guests were welcomed with a glass of Pimm’s in the VIP marquee of the St. Austell Brewery Ladies Day at Newton Abbot Racecourse.

Beautifully dressed ladies adorned with fabulous hats enjoyed pampering with the Aztec Spa therapists; colour and personal style tips from Kate Lamport, Queen of Style; skin advice from the Beresford Clinic and personal consultations by stylists from V&M hair.

A selection of stunning millinery was available to hire from Mrs B’s Bonnets and popular broadcaster, Judi Spiers compered the fashion show hosted by sponsor, Exiv (formerly...

Independently owned Exiv Boutique formerly known as ‘Iris Boutique Exeter’ located in Upper Paul Street, just off Gandy Street celebrates its 5th anniversary with a brand new look. Mother and daughter partnership, Marion Harbison and Nichola Hartley bucked the trend in 2008 by launching ‘Iris Boutique Exeter’ during the height of the recession. Five years’ later they are refreshing the business with the new name of ‘Exiv Boutique’, launching a new website and have taken on fashion graduate Agne Andrivlionyte expanding their team.

The dynamic duo are holding a special 5th...

Radiance MediSpa hosted ‘A Radiant Christmas’ in aid of The Lady Taverners and Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) with complimentary taster sessions by therapists and stylists at their luxurious venue. BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers compered the evening with models showcasing the latest Steampunk clothing courtesy of Velveteen Clothes Emporium. The conference centre was transformed into a mini Christmas Fair with unusual and exciting gifts from local independent retailers and Casino Select hosted a roulette table raising further funds for the charities.

For further...