BBC Radio 1's big schedule shake-up and four new hosts - including Capital FM DJ

16 November 2023 , 18:52

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BBC Radio 1 confirms four new presenters in major shake-up this Christmas

Four fresh voices will begin fronting BBC Radio 1 next month, marking a major shake-up in the popular station's regular hosts as part of a 'new wave in presenting talent'.

The talented quartet will join the likes of Greg James, Mollie King and Vick Hope as they take to the airwaves on a monthly rotation basis. DJ and presenter Lauren Layfield is one of the chosen four, having already cut her teeth on mainstream radio as an early morning presenter at Capital FM.

The 35-year-old joined the London station in 2018, after three years of presenting kids' shows on CBBC. If that wasn't impressive enough, Lauren has also hosted a Match of the Day spin-off and All Over the Place. She's now said she's 'gassed' to be making her BBC debut in 2024, which will see her presenting the Friday morning Early Breakfast show throughout the month.

Lauren Layfield will join BBC Radio 1 next month (Capital FM)

Joel Mitchell will also be joining BBC Radio 4 in December, having previously worked at BBC Radio Sheffield. He'll bring a wealth of experience to the studio, having lent his voice to various BBC local stations and a number of student and community broadcasters over the past few years.

The 25-year-old has previously hosted the Christmas takeover special, and by the sounds of it, he won't be holding back his festive cheer at the decks. “I'm really excited to be getting back behind the mic at BBC Radio 1 in December! Every time I’ve covered this show, I’ve loved being part of the Early Morning Crew… What's the limit on the number of Christmas songs I can play each hour again?” he joked.

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Joel Mitchell has also joined the lineup of fresh faces

Chrissy Cameron of South Tyneside kicked off the rotation taking over in November

Meanwhile, Spark Sunderland's Chrissy Cameron has already started at the BBC, after winning the Best Presenter award at the 2022 Student Radio Awards. The 24-year-old said, "Being back on Radio 1 after nearly a year is so exciting and something I’ve been working hard to make happen. I can’t wait to bring some North Eastern tones to the airwaves throughout November."

Chris Howard, also from Spark, is the fourth newbie to be joining the ranks at the BBC, with his start date scheduled for February 2024. "It’s always been a dream to present on Radio 1. I’m so excited to be given the opportunity to warm up for Greg on the Feb Friday mornings. I can’t wait to be part of the family!" he gushed.

The BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast show currently airs between 5am and 6:30am ahead of Greg James' flagship show. The 37-year-old has been presenting on BBC Radio 1 since 2007 and has gone on to win multiple awards for his broadcasting.

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, said: "This slot has been a huge success in showcasing the best new and emerging presenters over the last two years so I can’t wait to see what this next wave of presenting talent do with their shows," before adding, "I’d also like to specially welcome Lauren and Chris who are brand-new to the station."

Emma Dooney