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Broadcaster Stephen Clements is to replace Sean Coyle in ����ý Radio Ulster's weekday schedule.

The former Citybeat and Q Radio presenter will make his debut on the station on 23 September in the slot vacated by the veteran broadcaster.

The ����ý said Mr Clements was a "great broadcasting talent" and a "great addition" to the station.

Mr Coyle's programme, which ran between 10:30 and 12:00 on weekdays, was dropped by the ����ý last month.

Many of Mr Coyle's listeners criticised the decision and an online petition calling for him to be reinstated collected more than 7,000 signatures.

The new programme - The Stephen Clements Show - will fill the weekday morning slot and will feature music and chat with listeners, according to ����ý Northern Ireland.

Mr Clements, from Carrickfergus, County Antrim, said he was "absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity" at the ����ý.

'Refreshing station's output'

"It has always been my dream to broadcast on the most respected, most creative media platform on the planet," he added.

"I am looking forward to sharing some fun and lots of laughs with the amazing people of Northern Ireland."

The ����ý broadcaster Stephen Nolan praised his new colleague.

����ý Northern Ireland said the signing of Mr Clements was part of its commitment to "refresh the station's output" to engage and entertain audiences and to broaden the station's appeal.

Emma Dunseith, ����ý Northern Ireland's executive editor for arts, described him as a "great broadcasting talent".

"We're excited to hear what he will bring to the station and we're sure his show will be a great addition to the weekday schedule and reflect his bright and vibrant personality," she added.

����ý Northern Ireland announced on Sunday that Mr Coyle would present a new daily programme on ����ý Radio Foyle until spring 2020.

The corporation acknowledged that the decision to drop Mr Coyle's ����ý Radio Ulster show had "concerned many listeners".