The BBC has axed six stars from the Radio 1 airwaves in a huge shakeup announced as ‘schedule changes’, starting from September.
In an effort to bring some fresh energy into the station, Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy have all been cut.
‘We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next,’ the BBC wrote on Instagram.
Stars like GK Barry, Charley Marlowe, and Emil Franchi will be stepping up while beloved show Radio 1’s Live Lounge sees Jeremiah Asiamah join Charlie Hedges.
Lauren Layfield will be launching the brand-new The Official Chart: First Look from Birmingham.
In a farewell to the station, Melvin, who hosted Live Lounge with Charlie and Rickie, reflected on ‘seven years since [he] first stepped into the Radio 1 studio’.
‘Presenting on this station has been a dream, especially since, as some of you will know, my radio career actually started at the BBC as a broadcast assistant for BBC 1Xtra!’ he wrote. ‘So, when we got the call to come over to Radio 1 while we were at Kiss, we couldn’t believe it!’
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He added that they were ‘so grateful’ to the ‘incredible’ producers and listeners for ‘sticking with us every week’.
Melvin concluded: ‘We are so proud of everything we’ve achieved here and so excited to share what’s coming next! Our last show is the end of August and don’t forget you can catch me covering for my brother DJ Spoony on Radio 2 for the next few months. Thanks for all the love ❤️’
He’s been covering for DJ Spoony on The Good Groove since last year, stepping in for holiday and relief whenever needed.
Rickie posted a similar statement, calling it ‘epic and a privilege’, having also started out as a broadcast assistant on 1Xtra while at university.
The DJ added: ‘I’m excited to share what’s coming next because it’s going to be another incredible journey but first things first – our final show is the end of August – so make sure you tune in so I can milk this until the very last moment!Big love to you all ❤️
Dean announced he was ‘spreading his wings’ after a ‘hard decision’, adding it was ‘time for a change’ and he was ‘excited for the future’.
Fans have flooded all the presenters’ posts with emotional farewells, with Becca Ren saying mornings ‘won’t be the same’ without Dean’s cheery voice.
‘NOOOOOO 😭💔 I’m so happy for you but so sad for me and all the early breakfast crew. Will smash it ❤️,’ said Caroline Newman.
Presenter Chrissy Cameron added: ‘Quite a shock to the system seeing this but you’ve absolutely smashed it!! Best of luck for your next moves! ❤️.’
Strictly icon Oti Mabuse asked, ‘Is it April?’, a shocked sentiment echoed by hundreds of fans in his comments who said they were ‘gutted’ and ‘so sad’.
Meanwhile, Melvin was branded a ‘radio legend’ by Nadia Jae, as MistaJam wrote: ‘It’s been an honour and a privilege to watch the journey. Keep blazing a trail King, the world is listening and the next generation are watching 🫡.’
The former I’m A Celebrity campmates both commented that they loved each other, after Melvin branded Dean ‘houdini’ for not doing chores in 2024.
As for those stepping into the roles, Jeremiah wrote that he would have ‘never believed’ he’d be taking on the Live Lounge.
‘I can’t wait to keep growing on air, work alongside the incredible @charliehedgesdj , and welcome some of the world’s most sensational artists into the Live Lounge,’ he said.
‘Big shoes to fill for this kid from Lewisham, but I’m ready to be myself, have fun, learn, and keep growing. ❤️’
He was previously the host of Friday Nights on 1Xtra and Saturday Nights on Radio 1, with a specialism in dance, house, and trap.
Elsewhere, Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga are taking over Life Hacks at 7pm. Sian Eleri’s The Chillest Show moves to 9pm, while Alyx Holcombe’s Indie Show moves to Tuesday nights at 11pm.