A spokeswoman for Virgin Radio confirmed that the presenter is bringing his team with him when he arrives on January 23. O'Connell will be joined at the station by Xfm colleagues including producer Roque Segarde Vieto, newsreader Chris Smith and assistant producer Brian Murphy.
Paul Jackson, programme director at Virgin Radio, said: "Christian O'Connell is the leading radio talent of his generation, he will be joining one of the strongest line-ups in radio and, coupled with our music offering, 2006 is going to be a great year for Virgin Radio."
There had been much media speculation about who would succeed the Sony Award-winning O'Connell after he was poached by bigger rival Virgin until it was announced that he is to be replaced by Lauren Laverne, who joins from Xfm's drivetime show.
Laverne took over drivetime from Zoe Ball in December 2003. The former Kenickie frontwoman had previously hosted the mid-morning show for two years.
O'Connell's move is a major blow for Xfm, where he has hosted the Sony award-winning breakfast show for the past six years. He has been a long-time favourite of the radio and media industry where the irreverent humour and mix of indie music has won him fans, along with numerous awards.
This year alone, he picked up three Gold Sonys, including Best Breakfast Show and Best Entertainment Award.
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