BBC Radio 1 has left its listeners frustrated over the last couple of weeks after they announced that Jordan North would be leaving his drive time show.
After 10 years with the BBC, North is being replaced by Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing - leaving many threatening to boycott the channel.
The news was first announced by the official BBC Radio 1 X account where they posted an image of Laing and captioned: “Jamie Laing will join Vick Hope to co-host Going Home on Radio 1 (15:30 – 18:00, Monday to Thursday), starting on Monday 4 March. Huge congratulations.”
Speaking about his new role, Laing added in a statement: “I’ve loved every minute that I've been on air with Radio 1 in recent years, so to be joining Vick on Drivetime is just incredible.
"I'm beyond excited to get started and keep listeners company on their journeys home,” with Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones expressing: “His infectious energy and love for music and culture will bring an exciting new element to Drivetime.”
This caused chaos with loyal listeners of North, as one fumed on social media: “A funny show just got made unlistenable, poor Vick. If I was her I’d get out quick.”
“Won't be listening to that anymore then," another added before a third also vowed to boycott the show. "Another pointless celebrity on either radio or TV. Why is there such an obsession with all these talentless made in people."
It seems the negative reaction towards Laing’s arrival didn’t go unnoticed as bookmakers were quick to mark-up how long he would last as the new Radio 1 host.
Laing has been given 4/6 odds of lasting under one year, and 6/5 odds of him lasting over a year - falling very short from North’s previous reputation.
Lee Astley of Lucky Block said: "Our traders have taken on board the negative feeling around Jamie Laing’s appointment as replacement for popular host Jordan North (who has joined Capital FM) and they reckon he will be gone within a year.
Jordan has been part of BBC Radio 1 for 10 years
GETTY/BBC
“You can get 4/6 on Laing not surviving a year in the role presenting alongside Vick Hope.”
Just days after North was announced to be leaving BBC Radio 1, he revealed he was moving to Capital FM and replacing long-term host Roman Kemp.
Posting the news on his Instagram, he revealed: “WHAT A WEEK! I’m proper excited to be joining @capitalofficial and the brilliant @global team to wake up the nation every morning on the breakfast show!!!
“Big shoes to fill for @romankemp who has smashed it over the past seven years, but I know @sianwelby & @chrisstark will look after me and I can’t wait to work with them / the great breakfast show team and meet all the regular listeners, and welcoming any new ones too.
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Jamie Laing could only last one year on BBC Radio 1
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“I’M ABSOLUTELY BUZZING!! See you in April.”
Kemp also addressed his departure on his Instagram and said: “So there you have it sports fans. I’m handing over the baton at the end of March…
“Jordan North will be your new host of Capital Breakfast. Couldn’t have gone to a better person, top lad and will be a great addition to your morning routine. You’ll smash it bud @jordannorth1.”
