Radio 1 suffers another loss as Greg James' producer exits after 15 years

14 March 2024 , 12:05

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BBC Radio 1 producer Chris Sawyer has announced his departure from the radio station (Image: @ahchrissawyer/Twitter)

There's set to be further change at BBC Radio 1 in the coming weeks as one of the producers on Greg James' breakfast show has announced they are leaving this week.

Chris Sawyer, who is understood to have worked on the radio station since 2009, shared the news on social media earlier this week. The producer told his followers that his final show with presenter Greg will be on Friday morning.

Announcing his departure, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, just a few days ago: "It's my last week at Radio 1! I've been involved with more nonsense than I ever thought it would be possible to fit into a quick 15 years."

And although he has yet to announce his next role, Chris teased that it will be a "whole new world of mischief". He said: "Friday will be my last show with Greg and the Breakfast team before I run off to a whole new world of mischief."

The post prompted well wishes from fans, with one listener writing: "Awwww. Best of luck for the future Chris." Someone else said: "Congrats on an amazing run Chris, I'm sure your next chapter will be just as exciting and creative." Whilst one person tweeted in response: "We are going to miss you."

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BBC Radio 1 producer Chris Sawyer has announced that he's stepping down after more than a decade at the radio station (@ahchrissawyer/Twitter)

Chris also shared the post on Instagram, where it was met with reaction from presenter Greg himself. He teased in the comments section on the platform earlier this week: "I still can't 100% be sure this isn't just another scheme."

The news comes amid an ongoing shake-up at BBC Radio 1 following the departure of Jordan North, who has joined rival station Capital's breakfast show. He used to front the drivetime show with Vick Hope on the BBC Radio station.

Jamie Laing has now replaced Jordan. The former Made in Chelsea cast member is accompanied by Vick and Katie Thistleton on the afternoon show. There are additional changes at the radio station coming later this year.

It includes Matt Edmondson and Mollie King leaving their afternoon slot, which airs towards the end of the week. The instead be on air Monday to Thursday from July, replacing Vicky Hawkesworth and Dean McCullough in the schedule.

He has been working with presenter Greg James on the station's breakfast show but has revealed that their final show together is this week (BBC Radio 1/PA Wire)

From July, Dean will take over the early breakfast show on his own. Arielle Free, who currently has that slot, will remain on the radio station but as the host of a new dance show on Thursday evenings from the end of April. Dean's former co-host Vicky will join Nat O'Leary to present new late morning shows towards the end of the week from July.

Other changes at the radio station include Lauren Layfield and Shanequa Paris having been unveiled as the new hosts of its Life Hacks show, which airs on Sunday afternoons. They are set to replace Vick and Katie from April.

Joel Leaver