Jordan North's speedy BBC exit came after backstage relationships 'deteriorated'

22 February 2024 , 10:18

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Jordan's decade with the BBC reportedly ended on a 'bad note' (Image: BBC)

Tensions were running high in the months before Jordan North's sudden BBC exit, a source claims.

The radio presenter, 34, has been replaced by Jamie Laing, who was announced as the new Drivetime show host alongside Vick Hope out of the blue on Friday. Yesterday, it was revealed that Jordan had bagged his 'dream' role at Capital FM, taking over from Roman Kemp on Global's flagship Breakfast show.

But while Jordan is 'beyond excited' to start his new job, a source told the Mirror earlier today that the broadcaster was 'blindsided' by the news of his BBC departure, which was issued without his knowledge last week. They claimed relationships between Jordan and bosses 'deteriorated' backstage and it all came to an end on a 'bad note'.

Roman announced Jordan would be taking over Capital FM's flagship Breakfast show on Wednesday (PA)

The source said Jordan wanted to leave the BBC for months and they were trying to get him to stay, but when he formally quit, they booted him out of the door 'immediately' without a farewell goodbye on the radio. They said: "Conversations were going back and forth between Jordan's people and the top people at the BBC for months, and over time they deteriorated.

"Once he formally requested to leave, that was it - he was off air, immediately. It's a shame it ended on such a bad note after 10 years." The source added: "After all the hassle BBC bosses will just be glad to get Jamie in and get on with the show. They should make a radio show about what goes on behind the scenes, it'd make for great listening."

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It was a quick turnaround with Capital straight after and Roman announced he would be leaving the network on Monday morning, with Jordan named as his replacement on Wednesday. He said: "You are going to absolutely love this Jordan. I have so much faith in you mate. It's hard leaving, it feels like your child, but you want it to go into good hands and I know with you it's going to be just that. Everyone, send as much love as possible to Jordan."

Jordan, who will also host Capital's Summertime Ball in June 2024, said: "I am beyond excited to be joining Global and to wake up the nation every morning on Capital - I can't wait to start working with the amazing team here and get stuck in, to create the most fun and entertaining breakfast show. Getting to host Capital Breakfast has always been a dream of mine and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn't turn down."

After Jordan's abrupt exit from Radio 1 was announced, his former co-presenter Vick Hope took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute. She said she was "absolutely gutted" to not be able to say a "proper goodbye" to her "dreamy co-host". She penned: "There are too many memories for these collages, but what a laugh we've had. Thank you for sharing your wit and your warmth; your stories, your skill and your spirit."

Vick added: "Going Home with Vick and Jordan has been such a mad, chaotic ride, I've loved being on this journey with you for a little bit, and will always support and cheer for you as you embark on the next chapter. You're about to soar, everyone is going to love you as much as we do, just please look after yourself there. And keep the tunes coming." Vick signed off with a nod to her new colleague Jamie and encouraged fans to welcome him with "open arms".

Ashleigh Rainbird