Big changes are afoot at the BBC as a new line-up of shows are being launched for Radio 1 – with history set to be made in the process.
Former The Saturdays singer, Mollie King, 34 – who has presented weekend shows alongside Matt Edmondson, 36, since 2018 – is set to step out from under the shadow of her co-star to helm her very own show.
Titled Radio 1’s Future Pop, the new show will air on Thursdays from 8pm until 10pm and will launch in September 2022.
And the star will still continue to co-host her weekend show alongside Matt every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.
Speaking about the new show, Mollie – who was 21 when The Saturdays first hit the charts back in 2008 – gushed: “It’s hard to put into words just how unbelievably honoured and excited I am to be launching and presenting Radio 1’s Future Pop!
“As a lifelong complete pop fanatic I am going to adore every single minute of pushing through new and up and coming pop acts.
“I’ve been on the other side and know just how much it means to have your music supported on the radio and being given the platform, so I can’t wait to search far and wide to find the best pop talent out there.”
She added: “The 15 year old in me, who wrote endlessly to record labels asking to do work experience and make the teas and coffees is crying inside! It’s a real dream come true!”
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, is also beyond excited about the new show.
He said in a statement: “New Music is at the heart of Radio 1 so I’m thrilled we are launching Radio 1’s Future Pop which will be dedicated to finding the next big UK and international pop artist.
“Mollie is the perfect person to take on this new show as someone who has been on the same journey a lot of these musicians are about to embark on.”
Elsewhere in the line-up shake up, history is being made as Charlie Tee will become the first permanent female presenter of Radio 1’s flagship Drum & Bass Show.
She is due to take over the role of hosting the show which airs on Saturday nights, with the show moving to 11pm.
Charlie said: “Drum & Bass is such an integral part of UK dance culture and I genuinely believe that right now, its sonic direction is the most prolific it’s ever been!
“This will be an exciting new chapter for the genre, as the show joins the iconic weekend line-up on Radio 1, in a brand new slot. I cannot wait to showcase the incredible next generation of talent in drum and bass and it’s an honour to be the first woman to do so.”
Meanwhile, Monday nights are going to be all about Rock and Roll with a new show called BBC Introducing Rock on Radio 1 is due to launch with the show airing on Mondays from 1am-2am and hosted by Alyx Holcombe.
While Radio 1’s Indie Show with Jack Saunders will move to Sundays at 9pm and Radio 1’s Soundsystem with Jeremiah Asiamah will move to Saturdays at 7pm.
Radio 1 will, however, say goodbye to DJ Target who currently occupies 7pm-9pm on Saturday nights with 1Xtra’s Takeover with DJ Target.
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