“I will be coming back to radio broadcasting when the time is right.”
Annie Mac is leaving BBC Radio 1. The Irish DJ, tastemaker, festival founder and Mother Mother author announced the news earlier today (20 April) on colleague Greg James’ BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show. Her last show will take place on 30 July.
Mac, who joined BBC Radio 1 back in 2004, acquired a devoted following of musicians and music lovers alike during her tenure. In a new statement shared earlier today, Mac says: “It’s time to tell you, my listeners, that after 17 years, my last show on @bbcradio1 will take place on 30 July 2021.”
“It’s hard to articulate what this job has meant to me. It started in 2004 with Annie Mac’s Mashup on Thursday evenings. Then it was the big move to Fridays. Sunday nights was Switch with Grimmy and then The Musical Hot Water Bottle. Since March 2015 it has been every weeknight with the flagship new music show.”
“So why leave?” she adds. “It’s all about time really. 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 later states that she plans to return to radio broadcasting “when the time is right.” But for now, she just wants to thank her fans. “In my time on Radio 1, I have fallen in and out of love, moved homes, climbed up the career ladder, got married and become a mother twice over, alongside you doing your versions of the same,” she says. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Thank you for brightening my days. Thank you thank you thank you for listening.”
Clara Amfo is set to take over as the host of BBC Radio 1’s Future Sounds from September 2021.
Read Mac’s statement in full below.
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