BBC Radio 1’s highly anticipated new schedule will officially begin on Monday 7 September, ushering in a fresh era of weekday, weekend, and nighttime programming across the network.
Before the new line-up kicks off, fans will bid farewell to a raft of established talent, with presenters Rickie, Melvin, and Dean McCullough set to make their final exits on Thursday 3 September. Along with these schedule shifts, the station is leaning heavily into visual content: listeners can expect a major expansion of watchable material across Radio 1’s official YouTube channel, Instagram, TikTok, and BBC iPlayer.
Taking over the iconic Live Lounge slot (Monday–Thursday, 10.30am–1pm) are new co-hosts Charlie Hedges and Jeremiah Asiamah.
Charlie Hedges says: “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.”
Jeremiah Asiamah says: “I still remember listening to the Live Lounge on the way home from college in 2017, so presenting it now alongside the brilliant Charlie Hedges is a real full circle moment. I can’t wait to bring the energy, celebrate incredible artists, and have some fun. I’m genuinely so grateful to God.”
Adding to the new daytime push, popular creator GK Barry joins the lineup to host a series of shows throughout the year, launching on 10 September at 1pm for an initial six-week run.
GK Barry says: “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!”
Key Roster & Schedule Updates
Extended Weekends (Fri–Sun, 10.30am–1pm): Charley Marlowe joins Vicky Hawkesworth to soundtrack the weekend.
Charley Marlowe says: “I am thrilled to be joining the Radio 1 family! I will captivate your ears, not so much your eyes due to it being radio but we’re going to have a frabjous time I can promise you that.”
Radio 1 Early Breakfast (Mon–Fri, 4am–7am): Award-winning duo Mylo and Rosie take over early mornings.
Mylo and Rosie say: “It’s really hard to put this feeling into words. Elated doesn’t quite cover it. We are two best friends who have shared a childhood dream of one day working at Radio 1 and we can’t quite believe it’s become a reality. We don’t think it’s sunk in yet, will it ever? The listeners of Radio 1 have welcomed us to the family with open arms and to have our own show and be able to talk to them every morning on Early Breakfast means more to us than they will ever know.”
The Official Chart: First Look (Sundays, 4pm–7pm): Broadcast live from Birmingham, hosted by Lauren Layfield.
Lauren Layfield says: “Time to polish up those counting backwards skills - can’t wait to bring three full hours of the biggest songs in the UK back to Sundays with The Official Chart: First Look. The Official Chart: First Look is the only one that counts AND it’s where you get to find out where Friday’s new releases have landed before anyone else. Come join us!”
Weekend Breakfast (Sat–Sun, 7am–10am): Emil Franchi becomes the official new full-time host.
Emil Franchi says: “I am beyond thrilled to become a full-time member of the Radio 1 team. I’ve seen how much goes into each and every show and can’t wait to get to work on my own one. It’s also a great reason to be up early with all the early weekend risers. Speak soon!”
Evening & Nighttime Refreshes: Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga take over Life Hacks (Sundays, 7pm), followed by Radio 1’s Chillest Show with Sian Eleri at 9pm. Alyx Holcombe’s Indie Show moves to Tuesdays at 11pm, while new talent showcase slots move to weekend early mornings (6am–7am).
Oré Olukoga says: “Life Hacks is one of my favourite shows on Radio 1, it’s always been a safe space for young people to have honest, open conversations about the things that matter in their lives! So, to now be in the hot seat presenting the show is a genuine privilege, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Station Departures
Alongside Rickie, Melvin, and Dean, presenters Nat O’Leary, James Cusack, and Swarzy will also be stepping away from the network.
Rickie and Melvin say: “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 Haywood-Williams says: “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.”
Melvin Odoom says: “I loved being a part of our Radio 1 version of The Traitors, and hosting such a mix of artists in the Live Lounge was a massive highlight. Ultimately, though, my favourite part of the job will always be connecting with our listeners.”
Dean McCullough says: “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 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!”
Nat O’Leary says: “I’ve had the best 4 years at Radio 1 working alongside so many talented individuals, it will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you to the listeners, you’ve made my time on the station so enjoyable. I’m really excited for what’s coming next.”
James Cusack says: “It’s been so good to be on Radio1, to work with such a talented and wonderful team of people and importantly, to share it all with the brilliant listeners for the last few years. I’ll look forward to spending the rest of Summer on my weekend shows and covering a few others, then I can switch off the 5am alarms and get excited for the next steps of my career.”
Addressing the changes, Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, says: “Charlie and Jerry taking the reins of Radio 1’s Live Lounge marks an exciting new chapter. I can’t wait for listeners to experience the energy, chemistry and unpredictability they’ll bring to one of the station’s most iconic shows.
“We’re also delighted to welcome GK Barry and Charley Marlowe to brand-new programmes on the network, where they’ll each bring their own unmistakable humour, personality and wit. I love that The Official Chart: First Look becomes its own show and as a first for Radio 1, will be coming live from Birmingham, hosted by the brilliant Lauren Layfield. Mylo and Rosie will be the perfect soundtrack to the early mornings, and Emil Franchi takes over Weekend Breakfast with the warmth and energy that makes him such a natural fit.
“The new schedule brings together the world’s best DJs with the very best new music from the UK and beyond – and it all starts this September.”
He adds: “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.”
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