In an exciting announcement, Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston are set to join forces as co-hosts of BBC Radio 1’s new Weekend Breakfast show. As part of the BBC’s Across The UK plans, the show will be moving from London to Cardiff, bringing a fresh wave of energy and entertainment to weekend mornings. The show will air on Saturdays and Sundays from 7am to 10am, with the first broadcast scheduled for Saturday, September 9, 2023.
Sam and Danni, who were given their first opportunity to host on the station during the 2020 festive period as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover, have quickly established themselves as emerging presenters with immense potential. Their talent and infectious energy caught the attention of Aled Haydn Jones, the Head of BBC Radio 1, who created the initiative to provide a platform for aspiring presenters on the UK’s biggest youth radio station. Since then, Sam and Danni have become regulars on the station, covering various shows and even hosting Radio 1’s coverage of Boardmasters Festival 2022. Most recently, they joined the Radio 1 family at Big Weekend 2023 in Dundee, cementing their place in the industry.
The new co-hosts, Sam MacGregor from Maidenhead and Danni Diston from Cornwall, expressed their excitement about officially joining the Radio 1 family. They both shared that having their own show has been a lifelong dream, and they can’t wait to bring their unique brand of humour and enthusiasm to the Weekend Breakfast slot. They also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to broadcast live from BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, as it holds a special significance for them. Cardiff is where they became best friends, started presenting together, and now proudly call home. They are thrilled to bring the first daytime Radio 1 show to Wales and are looking forward to the adventure ahead.
In another positive development, Jess Iszatt will be joining the Radio 1 family as the new host of BBC Introducing on Radio 1, airing on Sundays from 11pm to 12am. Jess, who began her journey on student radio stations, has gained recognition as a key tastemaker in the music industry. Hosting the BBC Music Introducing show for BBC Radio London, she has played a pivotal role in discovering and championing fresh talents such as Arlo Parks, Freya Ridings, and Celeste during their early careers. Jess will take over from the esteemed Gemma Bradley, who will be stepping down to pursue exciting new opportunities. Her first show as the host of BBC Introducing on Radio 1 is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, 2023.
Upon hearing the news, Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, expressed his enthusiasm for Sam and Danni’s new show, recognising their already significant contributions to the Radio 1 family. He congratulated Jess on her new role and commended her for joining a remarkable team of hosts, including Jaguar for Introducing Dance and Alyx for Introducing Rock. Together, they will continue their dedication to promoting new and unsigned artists in collaboration with the local BBC Introducing network across the UK.
Rhuanedd Richards, Director of BBC Cymru Wales, shared her delight at the prospect of Radio 1 listeners across the UK starting their weekends with great music and captivating company from the heart of Wales’s capital city. She warmly welcomed Sam MacGregor and Danni Diston to the BBC Cymru Wales family and expressed her eagerness to provide a warm Welsh welcome from Cardiff.
Gemma Bradley, the outgoing host of BBC Introducing on Radio 1, expressed her gratitude to everyone at Radio 1 and the listeners for the wonderful start to her radio career. She is excited to embark on the next chapter within the BBC family.
Unfortunately, after an incredible eight years at the station, Adele Roberts has decided to leave Radio 1. Adele, who initially joined the BBC in 2012 as a presenter on BBC Radio 1Xtra before transitioning to Radio 1 in 2015 as the Early Breakfast show host, has played a pivotal role in the station’s growth and success. Known for her commitment to key projects and unwavering support for colleagues and listeners, Adele has become an integral part of the Radio 1 family. Although she has already presented her last show, her voice will still be heard across the radio as she continues her involvement with the BBC.
Aled Haydn Jones expressed his admiration and appreciation for Adele, highlighting her selflessness and dedication to others. He thanked her for her remarkable contributions over the last eight years and acknowledged her ongoing commitment to supporting key workers during the pandemic, prioritising health during her own cancer diagnosis, and lifting her fellow colleagues at the station. Adele’s departure marks the end of an era, and her presence will be greatly missed at Radio 1.
