Annie Mac announces departure from BBC Radio 1 after 17 years

Annie Mac, who hosted her first BBC Radio 1 show in July 2004, has announced that after 17 years, she'll be leaving the station.

The longtime radio broadcaster announced in a statement on socials that her final show will take place on 30 July this year. She wrote of her decision to leave, "I need more time to see my kids in the evenings now they are both in school. I would like more time to write fiction and to create podcasts. I also love the idea of leaving the party (and make no mistake working at Radio 1 does feel like a party) with a huge smile on my face, when I'm still having the most fun I can have."

Mac added, "I will be coming back to radio broadcasting when the time is right. For now though, I would like to say thank you."

It’s time to tell you, my listeners, that after 17 years, my last show on @BBCR1 will take place on 30 July 2021. pic.twitter.com/Uy5KU6nHSF

— Annie Mac (@anniemacmanus) April 20, 2021

As well as announcing Mac's departure this morning (20 April), BBCR1 confirmed that Clara Amfo will be the new host of the station's Future Sounds show from September, as well as confirming changes to other shows. View the full thread on Twitter.

The Radio 1 schedule is changing later this year.@ClaraAmfo is the new host of Radio 1’s Future Sounds!

She’ll take over the show in September 2021, presenting Radio 1’s flagship new music show Monday – Thursday, 6 – 8pm.

Huge congratulations Clara! pic.twitter.com/jTn2e3GICs

— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) April 20, 2021