Beloved BBC Radio Star Clara Amfo Bids Farewell to Hosting Role

Clara Amfo Stepping Down from BBC Radio Hosting Duties

Beloved BBC Radio 1 star Clara Amfo has announced that she will be stepping down from her hosting role on the station's Future Artists and The Official Chart shows. Amfo, who has held the role since 2021, shared an emotional message with her fans as she prepares for new projects in the coming year.

Jack Saunders to Take Over as Host

Jack Saunders, the current presenter of the Future Artists and The Official Chart shows, will be taking over from Clara Amfo starting on April 15. The show has previously been hosted by renowned presenters such as Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, and Steve Lamacq.

Reflecting on Her Time as Host

Clara Amfo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the shows, stating, "I'm so proud of the work I've been able to do on every show... I'm grateful to have had the ears of the listeners who have consistently shown up for me." She also shared her excitement for her next chapter as part of the network and beyond.

Future Plans

While Amfo will no longer be hosting the shows, she will continue to be involved with the BBC Radio network. She will focus on artist specials for the network over the coming year and will launch a new BBC Sounds music show in 2024.

Jack Saunders' Excitement for the Role

Jack Saunders expressed his enthusiasm for taking over the hosting role, stating, "All I've ever wanted to do is host this show on Radio 1 and all my dreams have become a reality. I can't wait to champion new music and be the voice for a new generation of artists."

New Shows and Hosts

With Saunders moving to the Future Artists show, Welsh radio DJ Sian Eleri will host a new show focused on launching artists and bands from all genres. Alyx Holcombe will take over hosting duties on Radio 1's Indie Show, and Scottish presenter Arielle Free will host a new dance show on Thursday nights.

Head of BBC Radio 1's Statement

Aled Haydn-Jones, the head of BBC Radio 1, expressed excitement for the new hosts and shows, stating, "Jack was born to host this show... I am delighted that Sian, Alyx, and Arielle also gain new shows – they join a great lineup of specialist presenters on Radio 1 who will put a strong spotlight on new UK music artists, bands, and DJs."

Clara Amfo's departure from her hosting role on BBC Radio 1's Future Artists and The Official Chart shows marks the end of an era. However, with new hosts poised to take over and exciting plans for the network's music programming, Radio 1 listeners can look forward to a fresh and dynamic lineup in the year ahead.