Trans DJ Stephanie Hirst returns to airwaves

Award=winning transgender DJ Stephanie Hirst is joining BBC Radio Manchester to front her first show on mainstream radio since her gender transition.

Hirst had taken a break from radio after announcing that she was in the process of transitioning during Stephen Nolan’s BBC Radio 5 live show last October.

“It’s fantastic that Stephanie is returning to the airwaves at BBC Radio Manchester – she’s a brilliant broadcaster, and should be on air. It’s going to be a fabulous show and I know that our listeners will love her,” said Managing Editor of BBC Radio Manchester, Kate Squire.

Hirst, who started her radio career at just 12 years old, will host a new Saturday night show for the BBC.

“My love of radio has been well documented and I always said I would return, but I wanted to ensure that my return is gentle and allows me time to grow into a broadcaster as Stephanie. BBC Radio Manchester has offered me the chance to do just this and ease myself in with a wonderful production team and the support of the corporation as a whole,” says Hirst.

“I’m excited and looking forward to getting back behind the mic, playing my favourite 90’s records and talking to callers each Saturday night across Manchester.”

Stephanie Hirst presents her first show on BBC Radio Manchester, Saturday July 4th from 22:00-24:00