GK Barry's new BBC Radio 1 show has been criticised after it emerged that the programme is pre-recorded, with listeners calling for the return of Mollie King and Matt Edmondson to the daytime slot.
The influencer, 27, who rose to fame on TikTok and has since built a career in television and podcasting, now hosts The GK Barry Show on Thursday afternoons at 1pm. The slot was previously held by Matt Edmondson and Mollie King. It is understood that the programme is recorded in advance to accommodate GK's busy schedule.
Fans react to first episode
Reaction to the first episode, which spread quickly on social media on Thursday, was divided. One fan wrote on X: "Why is she pre-recording it? No show in the daytime should be anything but live."
Another said: "Already had enough," while a third wrote: "As soon as she said her first word the radio went off!" Others expressed disappointment that Matt and Mollie had lost their slot.
Criticism over Matt and Mollie's reduced schedule
One listener said: "She has such a droning voice. Poor Matt and Mollie who are great reduced to a three day week to accommodate her." Another wrote: "I fear R1s demise... although I'm not the demographic for this station, if it wasn't for Greg/Jack/Pete Tony/ Matt it would be a rubbish listen."
Another listener added: "Why on earth have you reduced Matt and Mollie down to a three day show for this? Literally the only show on weekdays worth listening to besides Greg. You couldn't find another place to slot in Little Miss Podcast?"
One more wrote: "The GK Barry show on radio 1 earlier sounded like it was created by ai. Why was it pre recorded and why did we lose a day of Matt and mollie for it? Greg and those two keeping the station on life support. Or am I just old now and not the target audience?"
GK's background and reaction
GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has more than five million followers across her social platforms. She previously provided cover on the station in the summer of last year.
Speaking about the show, she said: "This is completely different from podcasting. I'm really excited to be presenting my own show with BBC Radio 1 this summer… I'm always listening to the radio when I travel, so I can't wait to interact with the listeners and get them involved in all the fun."
GK has also spoken about her childhood in the British Virgin Islands and her move back to the UK. She spent her early years in Tortola with her mother Loretta and stepfather Andrew, whom she considers her dad.
She said on the Loose Women podcast: "From as young as I can remember, I was in Tortola and I was one of the only white girls. All the aunties were doing my hair… little cornrows… I never saw anything different about that." She described her school life as racially diverse and inclusive, adding: "There were so many different races... I was friends with everyone. I had an incredible time."
The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment.
