Melvin Odoom and Rickie Haywood-Williams have issued a joint statement following the announcement that they are among six presenters leaving BBC Radio 1 in a significant shake-up. The duo, who joined the station in 2019 after moving from KISS FM, will broadcast their final show at the end of August 2026.
Departures and Remaining Presenters
Alongside Rickie and Melvin, Dean McCullough, Nat O'Leary, James Cusack, and Swarzy are also departing. Charlie Hedges, who joined the station at the same time as the duo, will remain and, with Jeremiah Asiamah, will take over as the new host of BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge.
In their statement, Rickie and Melvin said: "It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since we first stepped into the studio in 2019. Presenting on the station has been an unforgettable experience, and we are incredibly grateful to the entire team and, most importantly, our brilliant listeners." They added: "From starting out on the late-night show to hosting the Live Lounge, we have made so many amazing memories that we'll take with us. We are so proud of everything we’ve achieved here and couldn't be more excited for the next chapter."
Social Media Reactions
Sharing the news on Instagram, Melvin described presenting Radio 1 as "a dream" and noted that listeners can catch him covering for DJ Spoony on BBC Radio 2 in the coming months. Rickie thanked listeners, saying: "The biggest thank you goes to the listeners. You amazing bunch have been the best part of the job — making us laugh every single day and reminding me why radio is so special."
BBC Radio 1's official Instagram account acknowledged the departures, stating: "We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next."
Dean McCullough's Emotional Farewell
Dean McCullough, known for appearing on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, also commented on his exit: "This has been such a hard decision for me but it’s time to spread my wings after the most incredible six years at Radio 1. A huge thank you to the brilliant Radio 1 listeners who have been with me from Christmas cover to weekends to afternoons and for the last 2 years of Early Breakfast. It’s been a pleasure." He added: "I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business and I’ll cherish the amazing times we had making radio together, thank you - you’re all stars! It’s time for a change, I’m ready and very excited for the future!"
Head of Radio 1's Statement
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, expressed gratitude: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to Rickie and Melvin, who leave Radio 1 as true Live Lounge legends, and to Dean, whose journey from our Christmas Takeover to hosting his own show has been a joy to watch. I'd also like to thank Nat and James, who have each brought so much passion, creativity and dedication to Radio 1. We're incredibly grateful for everything they've contributed to the station and wish them every success in whatever comes next."
New Addition: GK Barry
As part of the shake-up, Loose Women panellist GK Barry will join Radio 1 to host a series of shows throughout the year, starting September 10 at 1pm for six weeks. She said: "I am really excited to be back hosting a series of my own BBC Radio 1 shows from this September. You’ll be hearing my favourite songs, we'll be speaking with some really exciting guests and as always, in true GK Barry style, I promise a lot of humour, chaos and embarrassing stories along the way!"
