Jordan North breaks silence on Radio 1 exit as he's replaced by Jamie Laing

17 February 2024 , 10:54

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Jordan North has broken his silence after it was announced he is leaving Radio 1 after 10 years.

The 34-year-old has become of the station’s most popular presenters and in recent years hosted the station's drivetime slot with Vick Hope. Though Vick will stay on, Jordan’s replacement has already been announced as former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing.

Viewers have been left outraged by the switch, with Jamie taking to Instagram to defend himself from critics who blasted his lack of experience for the job.

Amid the furore, Jordan has now taken to social media to share his own statement on his shock exit. Taking to Instagram, Jordan – who also hosts the Help I Sexted My Boss podcast – said he wanted to thank those who had reached out to share their support as he confirmed that he would be leaving the station.

He told fans: "Hello everyone. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you’ve all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot.

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"To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I’ve loved working with you it’s been an absolute blast! Big love to Katie Thisleton, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick Hope…I’ll miss being on air with you every day.

"MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I’ll be back soon, and can’t wait to see you all again."

It comes after Radio 1 revealed on Friday they would be waving goodbye to I’m A Celebrity runner-up Jordan after a decade. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Radio 1 said in a statement: "Radio 1 will be saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration for younger presenters. Thank you for everything."

Jordan North breaks silence on Radio 1 exit as he's replaced by Jamie Laing

Former Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing, pictured with wife Sophie, is Jordan's replacement (REX)

Fans have been left heartbroken by the news, with one tweeting: "Why do the good ones always leave?" While another one commented: "Really hope this was your decision @jordannorth1 and that it means bigger things for you - we love you and will miss you v much xx."

Jamie will take over from Jordan on March 4 and said it is an "absolute dream" to land the role, after previously covering for Mollie King while she was on maternity leave. The 35-year-old added: "I've loved every minute that I've been on air with Radio 1 in recent years, so to be joining Vick on Drivetime is just incredible. I'm beyond excited to get started and keep listeners company on their journeys home."

Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones said of Jamie: "His infectious energy and love for music and culture will bring an exciting new element to Drivetime.” He went on to describe Jordan as an "amazing presenter and a valued colleague at Radio 1, and I'm so proud of his journey with us", saying: "He has always connected with the Radio 1 audience through his shows and projects, as witnessed by the huge amount of money raised for during his rowing trip from London to Burnley."

News of the replacement has left some fans upset and even vowing to boycott the show. One furious fan tweeted: "No way this is who you replace Jordan with?! This is going to be insufferable driving home from work. Maybe it’s finally time to change station to one with better music."

While another commented: "Won't be listening to that anymore then another pointless celebrity on either radio or tv why is there such an obsession with all these talentless made in people." A third fumed: "Wonder how many more listeners you’ll lose now ..standard of djs are terrible.!!"

A third fumed: “A person from a working class background who worked their arse off to attempt to achieve their dream of being a radio presenter is more deserving of the opportunity.”

Showing that he’s not oblivious to the mixed response to his new gig, he shared a single screenshot from the comments section of an article about his new job published by the Mail Online. It read: “You’re kidding Jamie Laing. Who on this earth would want to listen to his pompous nonsense. We need Meritocracy brought back in order for ordinary people to stand any chance of being considered.”

Jamie added: “[First] comment in and might be a bit too truthful…probably stop there for the day.”