Six Radio 1 stars axed as I'm A Celebrity contestant joins station
Melvin Odoom, Rickie Haywood-Williams, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy have been axed from Radio 1 in a huge shake-up, which will see podcaster and Loose Women panellist GK Barry join the station.
Melvin Odoom, Rickie Haywood-Williams, and Dean McCullough are among six stars who have been axed from Radio 1 in a huge shake-up, which will see GK Barry join the station.
The BBC has confirmed the upcoming departures of Rickie and Melvin - who joined Radio 1 six years ago alongside their fellow former KISS FM host Charlie Hedges - as well as Dean, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy.
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to Rickie and Melvin, who leave Radio 1 as true Live Lounge legends, and to Dean, whose journey from our Christmas Takeover to hosting his own show has been a joy to watch.
"I'd also like to thank Nat and James, who have each brought so much passion, creativity and dedication to Radio 1. We're incredibly grateful for everything they've contributed to the station and wish them every success in whatever comes next."
Rickie and Melvin said in a joint statement: "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."
Former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Dean feels "very excited" for his future away from the station.
He said: "This has been such a hard decision for me but it’s time to spread my wings after the most incredible six 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 a 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 had making radio together, thank you - you’re all stars! It’s time for a change, I’m ready and very excited for the future!"
Podcaster and Loose Women panellist GK will join the station to host a series of shows across the year, kicking off with an initial run on 10 September at 1pm for six weeks, and she cannot wait to get started.
She said: "I am really excited to be back hosting a series of my own BBC Radio 1 shows from this September.
"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!"
Rickie and Melvin's Radio 1 co-star Charlie is remaining on the station, after she and Jeremiah Asiamah were announced as the new hosts of BBC Radio 1’s iconic Live Lounge, which airs Mondays to Thursdays.
Radio 1 is also welcoming Charley Marlowe, who will join Radio 1 regular Vicky Hawkesworth to present Fridays to Sundays.
What's more, presenting duo Mylo and Rosie will become the new hosts of Radio 1 Early Breakfast, Lauren Layfield will present a brand-new show - The Official Chart: First Look on Radio 1, live from Birmingham every Sunday - and Emil Franchi will become the new host of Weekend Breakfast.
