Six Radio 1 presenters replaced by influencers in huge switch-up
BBC Radio 1 presenters Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy have all been axed for influencers.
Loose Women star GK Barry, TikTok influencers Charley Marlowe and Mylo & Rosie and Emil Franchi have been named as the new presenters.
Charlie Hedges and Jeremiah Asiamah will also become the new hosts of BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge.
“We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next,” the station said on Instagram.
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Barry, who rose to fame on TikTok and hosts the Saving Grace podcast, said she is 'really excited' to get started.
“I am really excited to be back hosting a series of my own BBC Radio 1 shows from this September," she said.
'I promise a lot of humour, chaos and embarrassing stories'
“You’ll be hearing my favourite songs, we'll be speaking with some really exciting guests and as always, in true GK Barry style, I promise a lot of humour, chaos and embarrassing stories along the way!”
Hedges added: "I’m so excited to be hosting the iconic Live Lounge with Jerry! We’re a bit chaotic whenever we get together, so bringing that energy live to Radio 1 with some of the biggest artists in the world is going to be wild.
"I also want to send all my love and respect to Melvin and Rickie. They’ve been such an important part of my journey, and I’ll be cheering them on in whatever they choose to do next."
The BBC said in a press release that they wish the departing hosts 'all the very best for whatever comes next'.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, noted that the corporation is 'incredibly grateful for everything they've contributed to the station'.
What have the departing BBC DJs said?
Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom
Rickie and Melvin said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we first stepped into the studio in 2019.
“Presenting on the station has been an unforgettable experience, and we are incredibly grateful to the entire team and, most importantly, our brilliant listeners.
“From starting out on the late-night show to hosting the Live Lounge, we have made so many amazing memories that we'll take with us. We are so proud of everything we’ve achieved here and couldn't be more excited for the next chapter.”
Rickie added: “The absolute highlights for me were heading to Amsterdam to hide out as part of the Radio 1 DJ Hunt, and hosting Usher for an incredible performance in the Live Lounge.”
Dean McCullough
Dean posted on Instagram: "This has been such a hard decision for me but it’s time to spread my wings after the most incredible 6 years at Radio 1.
"A huge thank you to the brilliant Radio 1 listeners who have been with me from Christmas cover to weekends to afternoons and for the last 2 years of early breakfast. It’s been an absolute pleasure. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business and I’ll cherish the amazing times we’ve had making radio together. Thank you - you’re all stars.
"It’s time for a change, I’m so ready and vvvv excited for the future."
Nat O’Leary
Nat wrote on Instagram: "After 4 amazing years at @bbcradio1, I’m leaving.
"To those of you who have listened, messaged in and supported me along the way, thank YOU. My dream came true through this ‘job’ and I’ll be eternally grateful for all the memories.
"Can’t wait to show you what’s coming next x."
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij