PURE GOLD VALLEY

Vernon and Reggie leave Radio 1

By Dan Cairns
Newsbeat reporter Reggie and Vernon say it is their own decision to leave the station Vernon Kay and Reggie Yates are to leave Radio 1, the station has said.

Radio 1 has been under pressure to lower the age of its audience but bosses said the departures were not related to that strategy.

Both DJs say it was their own decision to go - Vernon to spend more time with his family and Reggie to work on other projects.

Other changes to the weekend schedule will see new shows for existing Radio 1 DJs Jameela Jamil and Matt Edmondson.

Vernon Kay, 38, has been at Radio 1 for more than nine years.

"It has been a fabulous experience and I've loved the weekends I have spent with my listeners," said Vernon.

"However, when I was offered a contract extension I thought long and hard, but after 12 years of working weekends with CBBC, T4 and Radio 1 I felt it was the right time to leave."

'New challenges'

Reggie, who started at Radio 1's digital sister station 1Xtra more than 10 years ago, said he'd "absolutely loved" his time hosting the Official Chart Show.

"It's been a privilege to deliver to the nation the weekly No.1 song," said the 29-year-old.

Jameela Jamil will become the Official Chart Show's first solo female presenter

"But after 10 years at Radio 1/1Xtra I am looking forward to focusing on other projects and new challenges."

Both DJs will leave at the end of the year and the schedule changes kick in at the start of January 2013.

Matt Edmondson, who currently presents a Wednesday night comedy show on Radio 1, will take over Vernon's 10am-1pm show and also Sara Cox's Sunday show.

Jameela Jamil will move from Radio 1's Request show to present Radio 1's Official Chart Show.

Continue reading the main story Matt Edmondson - weekends 10am-1pmJameela Jamil - Official Chart Show - Sunday 4pm-7pmDan and Phil - Request Show - Sunday 7pm-9pmTom Deacon - Comedy show - Wednesday 9pm

She will become its first solo female presenter since the show began as Pick of the Pops in the 1960s.

Jameela, who joined the station earlier this year, will take over the Top 40 count down every Sunday and present the last hour in vision on the Radio 1 website.

Jameela said she was "delighted and honoured" and added: "I'm fully aware that I have big shoes to fill and am so excited to get started."

Other schedule changes see Sara Cox move to weekday mornings from 10am-1pm, to cover for Fearne Cotton while she is on maternity leave.

YouTube stars Dan and Phil also take over the Sunday night Radio 1 Request Show, hosting a fully visualised show between 7-9pm.

Comedian Tom Deacon completes the schedule changes with a Wednesday night comedy show.

Ben Cooper, controller BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, thanked Vernon and Reggie and wished them the best.

He said: "I'm excited by our brand new shows, which will appeal to the smart phone generation with our audience able to listen, watch and share Radio 1's great content."

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