Radio presenter Greg James has hosted his first programme as the new host of BBC Radio 1’s breakfast show.
He takes over from Nick Grimshaw, who was the second-longest breakfast show host in the station’s history. Nick Grimshaw will start a new drivetime programme on BBC Radio 1 later this year, taking over Greg James’ former slot.
The switch was announced by Nick Grimshaw on his programme in May. At the time he explained to listeners “it’s time for a change and a new show”.
In July the pair went into hiding, challenging listeners to find them based on clues given out on Radio 1. They were eventually identified as being in the Liver Building in Liverpool.
“I love radio more than anything and to host the Radio 1 breakfast show has always been a dream of mine and 20 years in the making,” said Greg James.
“This is the most famous radio show in the world and it’s a privilege to share it with you every morning.”
Greg James has been with the station for ten years, hosting drivetime for the last six, having joined after graduating from university. In addition to shows on Radio 1 the presenter hosts Sounds Like Friday Night on BBC One and is a regular on the BBC Radio 5 live podcast Tailenders. He becomes the 16th presenter of the Radio 1 show.
Nick Grimshaw took over the breakfast show from Chris Moyles in 2012, who now hosts his own breakfast programme on Radio X.
After the announcement in May the BBC’s controller of BBC Radio 1, Ben Cooper, said: “Greg gets his childhood dream, Grimmy gets a lie-in and the Radio 1 audience gets two exciting new shows with the biggest and most popular youth presenters in the country.”