Four new presenters to join the Friday Early Breakfast slot on Radio 1

Four new presenters will join BBC Radio 1 to take over the Friday Early Breakfast slot (Fridays, 5am – 6.30am) as part of a monthly rotation, beginning this month (November).

Chrissy Cameron, Joel Mitchell, Lauren Layfield and Chris Howard are the next wave of presenters set to host the show which launched in January 2021 as a means to showcase the very best new and emerging presenting talent.

Partially sighted Chrissy Cameron from South Tyneside has kicked off the rotation taking over in November. Chrissy was given his first opportunity to host on the station during the 2022 festive period as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover – an initiative created by Head of BBC Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones – where he presented Radio 1’s Future Sounds. Chrissy currently presents on Spark Sunderland and in 2022 was crowned ‘Best Presenter’ at The Student Radio Awards.

Chrissy Cameron says: “Being back on Radio 1 after nearly a year is so exciting and something I’ve been working hard to make happen. I can’t wait to bring some North Eastern tones to the airwaves throughout November.”

25-year-old Joel Mitchell from Rotherham will take the reins in December. Joel first began his presenting journey at BBC Radio Sheffield in 2018. From there he was given the opportunity to host on Radio 1 as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover 2019 where he co-hosted Radio 1’s Official Chart and has since hosted the Friday Early Breakfast slot in 2021 and this year.

Joel Mitchell says: “I’m really excited to be getting back behind the mic at BBC Radio 1 in December! Every time I’ve covered this show, I’ve loved being part of the Early Morning Crew… What’s the limit on the number of Christmas songs I can play each hour again?”

Taking over the slot in January will be Presenter and DJ Lauren Layfield. Lauren has presenting credits which span across TV and radio, notably hosting the BBC’s digital coverage of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. She is also a regular reporter for BBC One’s The One Show and has spent four years hosting Capital FM’s Early Breakfast Show.

Lauren Layfield says: “I am literally gassed to be joining the BBC Radio 1 line-up for Friday Early Breakfast in 2024. Radio 1 remains the epicentre of youth culture in the UK, producing the most relevant content for young audiences and as someone who is well-acquainted with Early Breakfast radio, it’s gonna be a total dream to rise and shine with R1’s listeners. Mostly though, I’m looking forward to hearing “FIRE HER UP, LET’S GOOOOOOOO!” live from the actual Radio 1 studios, what a way to start the New Year. See you then!”

Chris Howard, 24, from Newcastle, will take on Friday Early Breakfast in February. Chris had his first taste of presenting on Spark Sunderland’s Breakfast Show and he currently hosts their weekly new music show. He was also crowned the winner of the SRA Demo Factor 2023.

Chris Howard says: “It’s always been a dream to present on Radio 1. I’m so excited to be given the opportunity to warm up for Greg on the Feb Friday mornings. I can’t wait to be part of the family!”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “This slot has been a huge success in showcasing the best new and emerging presenters over the last two years so I can’t wait to see what this next wave of presenting talent do with their shows. I’d also like to specially welcome Lauren and Chris who are brand-new to the station.”