BBC Radio 1 has axed six presenters including Melvin Odoom and Rickie Haywood-Williams in a major schedule shakeup announced as 'schedule changes' starting from September. The station confirmed the departures in a statement on Instagram, thanking the outgoing stars for their 'passion, creativity and dedication' and wishing them well.
Departing presenters and new faces
The six presenters leaving are Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy. Stepping into new roles are GK Barry, Charley Marlowe, and Emil Franchi. Jeremiah Asiamah will join Charlie Hedges on the beloved Radio 1’s Live Lounge, while Lauren Layfield launches a new show, The Official Chart: First Look, from Birmingham.
Melvin Odoom's farewell
Melvin Odoom, who co-hosted Live Lounge with Charlie and Rickie, reflected on his seven-year journey at Radio 1. '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 on Instagram. He added that he and his co-hosts were 'so grateful' to 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.'
Rickie Haywood-Williams and Dean McCullough react
Rickie Haywood-Williams posted a similar statement, calling his time at the station 'epic and a privilege'. He started as a broadcast assistant on 1Xtra while at university. '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!' he wrote. Dean McCullough announced he was 'spreading his wings' after a 'hard decision', adding it was 'time for a change' and he was 'excited for the future'.
Fan and celebrity reactions
Fans flooded the presenters' posts with emotional farewells. Becca Ren said mornings 'won’t be the same' without Dean’s cheery voice. Caroline Newman wrote: 'NOOOOOO 😭💔 I’m so happy for you but so sad for me and all the early breakfast crew. Will smash it ❤️.' 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 sentiment echoed by hundreds of fans who said they were 'gutted' and 'so sad'. Melvin was called a 'radio legend' by Nadia Jae, while 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 🫡.'
New presenters' excitement
Jeremiah Asiamah, who takes over Live Lounge, wrote that he would have 'never believed' he’d be in that role. '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 previously hosted Friday Nights on 1Xtra and Saturday Nights on Radio 1, specialising in dance, house, and trap. Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga will take over Life Hacks at 7pm, while Sian Eleri’s The Chillest Show moves to 9pm and Alyx Holcombe’s Indie Show moves to Tuesday nights at 11pm.
