Cerys Matthews will present a new Sunday morning show on the closure-threatened BBC radio station 6 Music.

The Cardiff-born singer defended the channel as a "slaughtered lamb" being thrown to silence critics of the BBC.

The digital station will remain on air pending a 12-week public consultation over its future.

In February a BBC Trust review of 6 Music said it had to ensure its presenters were "not only popular, but also had musical credibility".

The station which plays new artists and archive tracks was then earmarked for closure as part of a wider-ranging BBC strategy review announced on 2 March aimed at saving £600m.

The former Catatonia star has been an occasional stand-in presenter on 6 Music for a number of years but the new Sunday show from 10am to midday will be her first regular slot.

From Easter Sunday Matthews replaces comedian Jon Richardson as part of a series of changes which will give listeners an extra helping of the network's favourite musicians-turned-DJ.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: "The new Sunday schedule offers a unique line-up of trusted guides to shine a light on hidden corners of the music world.

"With the addition of Cerys Matthews, Adam Buxton and the 6 Mix, 6 Music now promises to offer a distinctive day of eclectic music, presented by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people, that I'm sure the listeners will enjoy."

Matthews is one of several musicians who have voiced their opposition to plans to close 6 Music, saying the station was a prime example of the BBC's duty to provide distinctive services.

Following an outcry against plans to close 6 Music and the Asian Network, BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons admitted that "public concern" might prompt the BBC to reconsider its plans to axe the two radio stations.

Matthews is playing a two week tour of Wales and England during April and recently revealed that she was planning to take her baby son on the road with her.</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

Cerys Matthews will present a new Sunday morning show on the closure-threatened BBC radio station 6 Music.

The Cardiff-born singer defended the channel as a "slaughtered lamb" being thrown to silence critics of the BBC.

The digital station will remain on air pending a 12-week public consultation over its future.

In February a BBC Trust review of 6 Music said it had to ensure its presenters were "not only popular, but also had musical credibility".

The station which plays new artists and archive tracks was then earmarked for closure as part of a wider-ranging BBC strategy review announced on 2 March aimed at saving £600m.

The former Catatonia star has been an occasional stand-in presenter on 6 Music for a number of years but the new Sunday show from 10am to midday will be her first regular slot.

From Easter Sunday Matthews replaces comedian Jon Richardson as part of a series of changes which will give listeners an extra helping of the network's favourite musicians-turned-DJ.

Bob Shennan, Controller, Radio 2 and 6 Music, said: "The new Sunday schedule offers a unique line-up of trusted guides to shine a light on hidden corners of the music world.

"With the addition of Cerys Matthews, Adam Buxton and the 6 Mix, 6 Music now promises to offer a distinctive day of eclectic music, presented by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people, that I'm sure the listeners will enjoy."

Matthews is one of several musicians who have voiced their opposition to plans to close 6 Music, saying the station was a prime example of the BBC's duty to provide distinctive services.

Following an outcry against plans to close 6 Music and the Asian Network, BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons admitted that "public concern" might prompt the BBC to reconsider its plans to axe the two radio stations.

Matthews is playing a two week tour of Wales and England during April and recently revealed that she was planning to take her baby son on the road with her.</p

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.