BBC Radio 1 fans divided after Charlie Hedges and Arielle Free's on-air clash

02 August 2023 , 15:12

884     0

BBC Radio 1 fans divided after Charlie Hedges and Arielle Free's on-air clash

BBC bosses' reaction to Charlie Hedges and Arielle Free's awkward on-air clash over the weekend has divided Radio 1 listeners, with some slamming the decision to suspend Arielle after the 36-year-old took issue with a song on her colleague's setlist during a live broadcast.

Many listeners have praised Arielle for "bringing a bit of fun" back to the airwaves, claiming her outburst was reminiscent of Radio 1's glory years, while other social media users have hit back at claims Charlie overreacted to her friend's "unprofessional" cameo on her show.

Arielle has been replaced on BBC Radio 1 this week since being pulled off air in Ibiza on Saturday night, when she clashed with pal Charlie during her set broadcasting from Ibiza Rocks hotel. Before being ordered off the airwaves, Arielle, 36, told Charlie she "hated" one of the tracks she was playing (Horsegirl and MCR-T's My Barn My Rules), and told her she "expected better" from her set. Charlie, 37, cut off her microphone, telling Arielle to "have some respect" and told her to "get out" of her DJ area.

Arielle Free will not broadcast on Radio 1 airwaves until next week following the clash (Instagram)

Charlie Hedges told her BBC co-star to 'have some respect' during the tense exchange (charliehedgesdj/Instagram)

Sian Eleri will replace Arielle on Radio 1 this week, as the Scottish DJ misses out on her usual Monday to Wednesday two hour slot, before the return to the airwaves next week. According to Radio 1's official website, the 36-year-old DJ is due to host her her Radio 1 Relax show, during her usual slot on August 7.

"Not Arielle Free being taken off air because of this," one social media user wrote on Twitter on Saturday as they shared a clip of the tense exchange between the two women. The audio footage sparked a heated debate in the replies, with many rushing to send some love to Arielle.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

"Justice for @ariellefree! Being a hater is not against the law," one Radio 1 user jokingly quipped. "Back to the good old days of radio 1. The presenters are so beige nowadays," one listener said of Arielle's antics. "Pipe down Charlie, absolutely no need for that OTT reaction here," one Twitter user added to the thousands of comments, with another agreeing as they tweeted: "Arielle is quite right, the song is terrible and is having a bit of banter but Charlie can't take the criticism, so instead turns it into one massive drama."

However, while some are supporting Arielle online, others have been reminding people to be kind to Charlie. "No idea why Charlie Hedges is getting s*** for this? Free has just embarrassed herself and radio 1," one listener penned on Twitter on Saturday as the clip went viral.

"This is so cringe from Arielle, at the end of the day it’s a huge privilege being a R1 DJ why would you embarrass yourself and the station like that," another added. Arielle - who starred in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005 – and Charlie's awkward clash on Saturday night began when Arielle joined Charlie on the airwaves for an unscheduled live chat on-air while the pair are in Ibiza – prompting Charlie to tell her BBC colleague: "Are you okay? I mean, you've sounded better."

Radio 1 Listeners heard as Arielle replied: "Well I mean, you know, this is what happens. You're out Friday night and then you're out Saturday day, and then you lose your voice." Things then took a turn as Arielle went on to tell her co-star: "Can I be honest with you Charlie? I expected better of you."

"What as in to sound like the way you do now?," Charlie replied, to which Arielle hit back with: "I don't like this song. I hate this song. What are you doing. Sorry, what are you talking about." Charlie didn't take kindly to her friend's feedback, telling Arielle: "Sorry, I'm taking your mic down. It's my show Arielle, have some respect please. This is Dance Weekend Anthems. Have some respect. See you later, get out of here."

A spokesperson for the BBC previously told the Mirror: "Whilst we would not comment on individual matters, we have strict codes of behaviour for staff and presenters, and any breaches are taken extremely seriously."

Zoe Delaney