Nick Grimshaw moved from BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show
Nick Grimshaw got a pay rise from the BBC this year. (Tim P. Whitby/Getty)
BBC radio host Nick Grimshaw is to be moved from Radio 1’s coveted Breakfast show slot, it has been announced.
Grimshaw took over the popular morning show slot from Chris Moyles in 2012, earning a following among younger listeners.
But the out radio host will be moving out of the “dream” slot, the BBC has announced, after a ratings slide at the station.
The former X Factor judge will take over the afternoon drivetime show – swapping roles with Greg James, who will take over the breakfast show.
Nick Grimshaw and Greg James (BBC)
In a statement, Grimshaw said: “It was always my dream to do the breakfast show and I’m very grateful that I got to live my dream every day for what will be nearly six years. But six years is a long time and this isn’t a forever job.
“I had the time of my life. I’ve decided it’s time for a change and a new show. I love Radio 1 and can’t wait to get on with the new time slot and the removal of all alarms from my house.
“I’m so happy to be swapping shows with my friend and yours Greg James, and can’t wait to wake up to him each morning. Not literally. Just on the radio. Unless he’s up for it.”
Nick Grimshaw (Gareth Cattermole/Getty)
James said: “I am completely beside myself that I’ve been given the chance to present the most famous radio show in the world. It really doesn’t get any bigger than this and I really want to build on the great work Grimmy has done.
“The listeners have become like mates during the ten years I’ve been on air, so to be there when they wake up is a real honour.
“They’re always front and centre and this will of course be the case on the new breakfast show. It’s going to be the most enjoyable challenge I’ve ever undertaken and I can’t wait to get started.”
Ben Cooper, Controller of Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, 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.
Nick Grimshaw (Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)
“I’m so proud that Radio 1 produces and nurtures the best talent in the industry – I gave Greg his first show when he joined us from student radio and now he’s getting the most famous radio gig in the world – it’s going to be fantastic.
“Grimmy’s done a brilliant job reinventing the feel and tone of the breakfast show by connecting with new audiences in new ways in the digital age.”
Former Radio 1 Breakfast presenter Chris Moyles was named Stonewall Bully of the Year in 2006, after refusing to apologise for using homophobic language on-air.
Moyles was attacked by LGBT groups for calling a ringtone ‘gay’, and was later ruled to have breached the broadcasting code for comments he made about out singer Will Young.
Related: Nick Grimshaw says he ‘never felt the need to come out’
