DJ Kershaw leaving Radio 1

Leaving: Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw - pictured here with singer Johnnie Allan

Long-serving DJ Andy Kershaw is leaving BBC Radio 1 after 14 years, the station has announced.

The BBC said he would present his last show at midnight on Thursday.

Kershaw's contract for the weekly late-night slot came to an end last week and has not been renewed.

Outspoken: Kershaw criticised Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt in an interview

The controller of Radio 1, Andy Parfitt, thanked Kershaw, 40, for his years of service to the station.

He said: "Andy has been a dedicated Radio 1 presenter for many years and I appreciate the love and care that has gone into his work for the network."

But the pair have not always seen eye to eye and last year Kershaw criticised his boss in the Independent newspaper for what he called a "condescending and insulting" attitude towards black people in the UK.

The comments came in the wake of the shooting of Radio 1 rap DJ Tim Westwood.

Expert

The station played rap records with lyrics relating to guns and violence, but Parfitt said they were just trying to carry on as normal in Westwood's absence.

After Wednesday's announcement, Parfitt said: "Andy Kershaw is an undisputed expert in his sphere, but there are always new DJs and new forms of music looking to break on to a packed schedule.

"It is essential Radio 1 keeps moving and keeps changing, providing space to showcase the newest talent."

Kershaw's two-hour slot will not be filled permanently until September. In between there will be a series of one-off shows.

A BBC spokesman said he would continue to make contributions to the corporation on a freelance basis.