Jeremiah Asiamah to cover for Mollie King on BBC Radio 1

Published: November 13, 2024 — BBC Radio 1 have announced that Jeremiah Asiamah will stand in for Mollie King during her maternity leave, joining Matt Edmondson to host the station’s afternoon show (Monday to Thursday, 1pm – 3.30pm). Their first show together will be on Monday 2 December.

Jeremiah is a well-loved voice on Radio 1 and 1Xtra known for his infectious energy and upbeat vibe. He currently presents Radio 1’s Soundsystem Party and 1Xtra’s Rave Show, getting the nation weekend ready with the biggest and hottest tracks.

Jeremiah Asiamah says: “No pressure covering one of the biggest shows on Radio 1, just gotta make sure I don’t throw up mid link.”

Matt Edmondson says: “Jerry was the number one name on both mine and Mollie’s list for her maternity cover – we’re both huge fans of his and I’m hoping he can learn a thing or two about being incredibly cool from me.”

Maia Beth and Jodie Bryant to cover Radio 1’s Future Pop

In addition, Maia Beth and Jodie Bryant will cover Mollie’s Radio 1 Future Pop show (Thursdays, 8pm-10pm) on rotation. Maia was given her first opportunity to host on the station during the 2021 festive period as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover – an initiative created by Head of BBC Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones – which provides a valuable springboard for emerging presenters, giving them a once in a lifetime opportunity to broadcast on the UK’s biggest youth radio station. From there she has regularly covered Radio 1’s Future Pop and currently presents two shows on Radio 1’s new extension – Radio 1 Anthems.

Jodie also came through Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover where she was given the opportunity to host Radio 1’s Future Pop during Christmas 2022. She has since gone on to frequently cover the show whilst also being a regular host for BBC Introducing Sussex and Surrey. Jodie’s keen interest in new music has led her to host and curate a number of live events focussed on championing the very best independent and new music.

Maia Beth says: “I live and breathe pop music, so many of the artists we play on Future Pop I’ve seen go from playing support slots to headlining sold out shows – I can’t explain what a joy it is to be supporting their journey and helping give a platform to talented artists who really deserve it.”

Jodie Bryant says: “I am beyond excited to present Future Pop on BBC Radio 1 and help listeners discover their next favourite pop star! Championing new artists during such an exciting pop era is a proper dream come true. Let’s go!”

Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast to move to Salford

In other news, Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast show (Saturdays and Sundays, 7am-10am) will move to Salford with a brand-new presenter, James Cusack. James, who hails from Yorkshire, was first heard on Radio 1 in 2020 as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover and has since covered a wide-range of shows across the station. James will bring his Northern charm to morning audiences across the UK with his first show broadcasting on Saturday 11 January.

James Cusack says: “After a couple of years as the cover guy, it’s an absolute dream come true to have my own show on Radio 1. We’ve got so many fun ideas, and I can’t wait to get started from January waking up the nation on Weekend Breakfast!”

Presenting duo Sam and Danni will move to a new afternoon show (Friday – Sunday, 1pm-4pm). Previously the voices of Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast show, they’ll bring their infectious chemistry and engaging style to a later time, kick starting audiences afternoons.

Sam and Danni say: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be starting a brand new show in the afternoons and keeping you company for even longer across the weekend, from Friday through till Sunday.

“We’ll be bringing you even more of what we love; think fun guests, great music and just having a right laugh together. Bring on the New Year!”

In addition, Oré Olukoga and Swarzy will join the station to host a brand-new show, Radio 1 Weekend Early Breakfast (Saturday and Sunday, 6am-7am). Oré will present the show on Saturdays and Swarzy on Sundays. Oré was part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover 2022 and after trying his hand at hosting Radio 1 Anthems, took over Friday Early Breakfast in 2023 and has since covered various shows on the network. Swarzy currently hosts 1Xtra’s Weekend Breakfast Show on Saturdays, joining the station in 2022 after having previously presented the weekend breakfast show on KISS FM.

Oré Olukoga says: “I’m so so excited to be joining the Radio 1 family! Waking people up in the morning is a responsibility I will not take lightly!

“We’re going to have loads of fun on Weekend Early Breakfast. I can’t wait to get started. Great tunes, good chat, a bit of chaos, what more could you want?!”

Swarzy says: “I’m thrilled to join the Radio 1 family and kick off Sunday mornings with great music! Hosting this show is an absolute dream and I can’t wait to bring nothing but good vibes – let’s go!”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Everyone at Radio 1 is thrilled for Mollie as she embarks on this new chapter and we wish her the best of luck on her maternity leave. It’s also an amazing opportunity for Jeremiah, Maia and Jodie who I’m sure will do a brilliant job at covering her shows.

“Congratulations to Sam and Danni on their new afternoon show. This is an exciting next step, and I know they’ll bring something special to the slot.

“I’m also delighted to welcome three fantastic new presenters to the Radio 1 family and can’t wait for listeners to get to know James, Oré and Swarzy.”