The BBC has axed six stars from Radio 1 in a major schedule shakeup announced as 'schedule changes', effective from September. Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O'Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy have all been cut from the station's lineup.
BBC thanks departing presenters
In a statement on Instagram, the BBC wrote: 'We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next.' The move is part of an effort to bring fresh energy to the station.
New presenters step up
Stars like GK Barry, Charley Marlowe, and Emil Franchi will be stepping into new roles. Radio 1's Live Lounge will see Jeremiah Asiamah join Charlie Hedges. Lauren Layfield will launch a brand-new show, The Official Chart: First Look, from Birmingham.
Melvin Odoom's farewell
Melvin Odoom, who hosted Live Lounge with Charlie and Rickie, reflected on his time at the station. 'Presenting on this station has been a dream, especially since, as some of you will know, my radio career actually started at the BBC as a broadcast assistant for BBC 1Xtra!' he wrote. 'So, when we got the call to come over to Radio 1 while we were at Kiss, we couldn't believe it!' He added that they were 'so grateful' to the 'incredible' producers and listeners for 'sticking with us every week'. Melvin concluded: 'We are so proud of everything we've achieved here and so excited to share what's coming next! Our last show is the end of August and don't forget you can catch me covering for my brother DJ Spoony on Radio 2 for the next few months. Thanks for all the love.'
Rickie Haywood-Williams and Dean McCullough react
Rickie posted a similar statement, calling his time 'epic and a privilege', having started as a broadcast assistant on 1Xtra while at university. He added: 'I'm excited to share what's coming next because it's going to be another incredible journey but first things first – our final show is the end of August – so make sure you tune in so I can milk this until the very last moment!' Dean announced he was 'spreading his wings' after a 'hard decision', saying it was 'time for a change' and he was 'excited for the future'.
Fan reactions
Fans flooded the presenters' posts with emotional farewells. Becca Ren said mornings 'won't be the same' without Dean's cheery voice. Caroline Newman wrote: 'NOOOOOO ?? I'm so happy for you but so sad for me and all the early breakfast crew. Will smash it.' Presenter Chrissy Cameron added: 'Quite a shock to the system seeing this but you've absolutely smashed it!! Best of luck for your next moves!' Strictly icon Oti Mabuse asked, 'Is it April?', echoing fans who said they were 'gutted' and 'so sad'. Melvin was called a 'radio legend' by Nadia Jae, while MistaJam wrote: 'It's been an honour and a privilege to watch the journey. Keep blazing a trail King, the world is listening and the next generation are watching.'
New roles for Jeremiah Asiamah and others
Jeremiah Asiamah, who will take over the Live Lounge, said he would have 'never believed' he'd be taking on the role. 'I can't wait to keep growing on air, work alongside the incredible Charlie Hedges, and welcome some of the world's most sensational artists into the Live Lounge,' he said. 'Big shoes to fill for this kid from Lewisham, but I'm ready to be myself, have fun, learn, and keep growing.' He previously hosted Friday Nights on 1Xtra and Saturday Nights on Radio 1, specialising in dance, house, and trap. Elsewhere, Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga are taking over Life Hacks at 7pm. Sian Eleri's The Chillest Show moves to 9pm, while Alyx Holcombe's Indie Show moves to Tuesday nights at 11pm.
