RTÉ has announced that the John Murray Show on Radio One will end next Friday with journalist Brendan O'Connor replacing the broadcaster for the month of July.

Called the Brendan O Connor Show, it will continue the mix of light entertainment, interviews and music that have been a feature of Murray's show since it began five years ago.

Murray moved into the morning light entertainment slot from current affairs and business reporting roles at the station. He was part of the Morning Ireland team and then the presenter of the station’s weekly business show, The Business.

He took over the 9am slot from Ryan Tubridy when he moved to 2FM and with his light popular touch Murray engaged with audiences through participatory events including The John Murray Show Walking Club and Operation Transformation. His listenership figures, which have been sliding for some time, hover around 290,000.

In 2013 Miriam O’Callaghan was drafted in as presenter in the hour-long slot for six months when Murray was on sick leave. On his return in November, the 51-year old Dubliner was candid about his struggle with depression, talking about the “dread and anxiety” that took over his life and made it impossible for him too work. His openness about his illness was well received by listeners and he was praised by several mental health organisations.

He will return to the airwaves in the autumn with details of his new role on RTÉ Radio One to be announced in the coming weeks when the station releases its new schedule.

In a statement, head of RTÉ Radio 1 Tom McGuire said: “It is now opportune, this autumn, to renew and redesign this prime hour of radio. I look forward to seeing John Murray continue to play an important role as a significant and well loved voice on RTÉ Radio 1.”

O Connor’s TV chat show the Saturday Night Show ended last month. He already has experience in the morning radio slot having deputised for Murray for a short period in March.