RADIO 1 has undergone a huge shake-up of its presenting line-up.
The early breakfast show will now see a reality TV star and Blue Peter anchor take the helm.
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BBC kids TV presenter Richie Driss, 25, and SMASHbengali, 31, will front the channel’s 5am slot from April.
Their 90-minute BBC Radio 1 show is designed to showcase the best in emerging talent and will see a variety of hopefuls get their turn through the coming months.
It came DJ Arielle Free quit the slot back in February and Dean McCullough took the reins.
Talking of next month’s huge change Richie, who was a familiar face to Blue Peter fans for three years, said: “When I was told I was going to be on Radio 1 throughout April, I was speechless.
“Which admittedly isn’t great for a radio presenter!
“But it doesn’t happen unless something as incredible as presenting on the biggest radio station in the world comes along.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Comedian, reality TV star and presenter SMASHbengali, real name Hashu, said: “I don’t think Radio 1 realise what they’ve done, get ready to wake up with an absolute nutter on your Friday mornings.
“It’s going to be fun, a good cuddle you know? After all, early bird catches the worm.
“We all need a solid start that can help us smash the day, lucky for you I go by the name SMASHBengali.”
He added: “This is also going to be a quite historic because I’ll be the first British Bangladeshi to ever present on Radio 1. So personally, kind of a big deal.
“Expect me to deliver exactly what you need on your early mornings, because it truly means a lot to me.”
Hashu found nationwide fame on TV series The Circle.
Meanwhile, Blue Peter was forced to deny the show would be scrapped following Richie’s exit in March 2023.
Arielle’s exit
Scottish DJ Arielle joined the Beeb in 2019.
Yet she was suspended last August for a week – after her on-air bust up with Charlie Hedges.
She shared a string of photos and clips from her time at the station and said: “Hiya pals! Some news! As we edge closer to April and launch of my BRAND NEW DANCE SHOW (god I love getting to say that!!) I have made the decision to hand over my early breakfast headphones.
“I’ve bloody loved being a part of the Early brekkie gang. We’ve got through a lot together.
“There’s been numerous brain farts, Free Fails, a pandemic, endless rounds of Beat or Repeat, countless coat hangers and I’ll never forget those voice notes sent during the cycling challenge.
“Miraculously I only slept through one alarm and even then I still made it in for 5.30am and let’s be honest I’ve made 4-7am the raviest it’s ever been at Radio 1.”
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