BBC RADIO 1 PRESENTERS DEPART IN MAJOR SCHEDULE OVERHAUL

Dean McCullough, Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom are departing BBC Radio 1 as part of a significant schedule restructure. Nat O'Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy will also leave the station. The changes will introduce new presenters including TikTok content creators GK Barry and Charley Marlowe, whilst Charlie Hedges will remain as a Live Lounge host. Jeremiah Asiamah will replace Haywood-Williams and Odoom in their presenting role.

McCullough said his decision to leave came after six years at Radio 1, describing it as "such a hard decision" but noting it was "time for a change". GK Barry, who hosts the podcast Saving Grace, will present a series of shows starting in September, promising "favourite songs", guest interviews and "humour, chaos and embarrassing stories". Marlowe, who narrated BBC Three's I Kissed A Girl, will co-host alongside Vicky Hawkesworth on Friday to Sunday from 10:30 to 13:00 BST. Presenting duo Mylo and Rosie will take over the Early Breakfast slot previously held by McCullough.

Haywood-Williams and Odoom, who joined Radio 1 in 2019 and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, described their time at the station as an "unforgettable experience" and expressed excitement about their next chapter. Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, thanked the departing presenters and wished them success in future endeavours. The changes take effect with Barry's shows beginning in September.