Radio One undergoes Weekend revamp

BBC Radio 1 is to bring in a range of changes to their weekend schedule following the announcement Vernon Kay and Reggie Yates are to depart the teen-aimed network.
After nine-and-a-half years working weekends at Radio 1 Vernon has decided to hang up his headphones to spend more time with his family, while Reggie, who has presented Radio 1’s Official Chart for the past five years and been at Radio 1 and 1Xtra for 10 years in total, has decided to move on to concentrate on other work including a new documentary series for BBC Three and film projects.

Vernon says, “I’ve had an incredible nine-and-a-half years at Radio 1 that has exceeded all of my expectations, it has been a fabulous experience and I’ve loved the weekends I have spent with my listeners. However, when I was offered a contract extension I thought long and hard, but after 12 years of working weekends with CBBC, T4 and Radio 1, I felt it was the right time to leave as the girls are now both in school so weekends are more precious than ever.”
Reggie adds, “I have absolutely loved my time hosting the Chart Show. It’s been a privilege to deliver to the nation the weekly No.1 song, but after 10 years at Radio 1/1Xtra I am looking forward to focusing on other projects and new challenges.”

Both will leave the station at the end of the year with Radio 1 having a brand new weekend schedule from the New Year, which the beeb have revealed will see Matt Edmondson present a new show on weekend mornings from 10am-1pm
Matt, who currently presents a Wednesday night comedy show on Radio 1, is to take over from Vernon’s Saturday show.
Jameela Jamil will move from Radio 1’s Request show to present the iconic Radio 1’s Official Chart becoming the first solo female presenter of the Chart Show since it began back in the 1960s as Pick Of The Pops. Jameela who joined Radio 1 earlier this year, will count down the week’s Top 40 songs every Sunday.

Jameela said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured. I’m fully aware that I have big shoes to fill and am so excited to get started… I’ve grown up listening to the official chart so I cannot thank Radio 1 enough for the amazing opportunity.”

Taking over the mantle of the Sunday night Radio 1 Request show are YouTube stars Dan and Phil.
Dan and Phil have an incredible 100 million views and almost one million subscribers to their respective YouTube Channels.  They have previously presented shows for Radio 1 including a Christmas special.
Completing the new schedule is comedian Tom Deacon, who will present a brand new Wednesday night comedy show at 9pm each week.

Ben Cooper, Controller BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, said: “I’d like to thank Vernon and Reggie who have both been excellent ambassadors for Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra during their ten years with us. I wish them all the very best.
“I’m excited by our brand new shows, which will appeal to the smartphone generation with our audience able to listen, watch and share Radio 1’s great content.”

The new schedule changes will come into effect from the beginning of January. Vernon Kay (pictured) currently hosts ITV’s Family Fortunes game show. Reggie Yates, along with Fern Cotton, front the yearly festive edition of Top of the Pops for BBC One.