Radio 1 has announced a huge schedule shakeup, axing six DJs and bringing in social media influencers and new talent as replacements.
The radio station announced the news in an Instagram post on Wednesday confirming that as part of the shakeup longtime presenters Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy will be leaving their shows at the end of August.
The post added: ‘We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next.’
The pair first appeared on the BBC through Radio 1’s presenter development initiative in 2025.
Dean started his tenure at Radio 1 six years ago as a stand-in presenter before landing the mid-morning weekend slot followed by Scott Mills’ former Afternoon Show in 2022, and then Early Breakfast in 2024.
He announced on Instagram on Wednesday: ‘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… It’s time for a change, I’m so ready and vvvv excited for the future.’
Influencers GK Barry, 26, and Charley Marlowe, 26, have landed major shows on the station alongside popular presenter Emil Franchi.
Internet personality, podcaster and I’m A Celeb star GK will present a series of Radio 1 programmes during the year, beginning with a six-week run from 10 September at 1pm.
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!’
Vicky Hawkesworth, 30, will be joined by Influencer and presenter Charley between 10.30am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday, while Emil becomes the new presenter of Weekend Breakfast.
Weekend presenter Nat O’Leary, 24, is leaving after four years and will be replaced by infleuncer Charley Marlowe
James Cusack, 35, will leave his Weekend Breakfast show in August after 18 months in the role
Swarzy, 33, who hosted the early breakfast show on Sundays will also be leaving this summer
Rickie, 46, and Melvin, 45, will leave Radio 1 after seven years and five years presenting the mid-morning Live Lounge slot with co-presenter Charlie Hedges (pictured with Rickie and Melvin), who remains at the station
Vicky Hawkesworth will be joined by Influencer and presenter Charley Marlowe (pictured) between 10.30am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday
Lauren Layfield, 28, will host The Official Chart: First Look from Birmingham each Sunday between 4pm and 7pm. It will be the first Radio 1 programme of its kind to come live from the city.
Sunday evenings will include Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga on Life Hacks, followed by Sian Eleri’s Chillest Show. Alyx Holcombe’s Indie Show moves to Tuesdays at 11pm.
The station’s new presenter showcase will move from Friday Early Breakfast to weekend mornings between 6am and 7am.
Melvin shared the news of his departure on his Instagram account, telling fans that ‘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! So, when we got the call to come over to Radio 1 while we were at Kiss, we couldn’t believe it!’
‘We are so grateful to all the incredible producers we have worked with behind the scenes over the years, from our early days on the late-night show to hosting the Live Lounge (there are too many to mention but you know who you are)!’
Jeremiah Asiamah, 28, will join Charlie Hedges for the Live Lounge show from 10.30am to 1pm on weekday mornings
Award-winning duo Mylo & Rosie are taking over Early Breakfast, following a 10-year stint at Hits Radio West Yorkshire where they won multiple ARIAs
‘And of course the Radio 1 listeners!! We are nothing without you and thank you for sticking with us every week!’
His co-presenter Rickie added in a post: ‘Wow – 7years at Radio 1!!! I’m so happy I got to spend that time making so many amazing memories with some great people!
‘The biggest thank you goes to the listeners. You amazing bunch have been the best part of the job — making us laugh every single day and reminding me why radio is so special.’
‘When I think back to being a young broadcast assistant at Radio 1 & 1Xtra after uni, leaving to host The Kiss Breakfast Show and then finding my way back to the BBC all those years later… I’m genuinely so proud of this amazing journey.’
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.’
Emil Franchi becomes the new presenter of Weekend Breakfast‘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.’
