Annie Mac announces she’s leaving BBC Radio 1 after 17 years: ‘Thank you for brightening my days’

Radio presenter says she wants to work on other projects and spend more time with her children

Mac will host her last show on 30 July (Getty Images)

Radio presenter Annie Mac has announced that she is leaving Radio 1 after 17 years, with her Future Sounds show to be taken over by Clara Amfo.

The Irish broadcaster and DJ shared a statement from her Twitter account thanking her listeners for “brightening my days” during her tenure on the popular radio station.

“It’s hard to articulate what this job has meant to me,” she said, recalling how she began with her show, Annie Mac’s Mashup, on Thursday evenings before moving to a coveted Friday night slot. She has hosted her flagship new music show on weeknights since 2015.

“I’m still in awe of the magic of radio,” she said. “Of the responsibility of handling these songs that are so powerful they can stop you in your tracks and make your emotions soar.

“I have never not walked out of the studio feeling lighter and happier than when I walked in.”

She explained that she was quitting the show in order to spend more time with her children. She added: “I would like to have 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.”

In the statement, she went on to thank the artists she has championed and interviewed on her shows, her fellow DJs, and her listeners.

“Most importantly to each and every one of you who tuned in to my shows,” she wrote. “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 version of the same.

“Thank you for allowing me into your lives. Thank you for brightening my days. Thank you thank you thank you for listening.”

Her last show will take place on 30 July.

Amfo, who began at Radio 1 hosting the Official Chart show in 2015 before taking over the Live Lounge slot, said she was delighted to be picking up the Future Sounds baton from Annie Mac.

Clara Amfo will take over Mac’s slot on BBC Radio 1 (Getty Images)

“Presenting mid mornings and The Live Lounge on Radio 1 has been one of the most edifying and special times of my career and personal life,” she said.

“As a nation of music lovers, the experience of it live is nothing short of magical and to have had the honour of welcoming some of the world’s most beloved and emerging artists in to The Live Lounge has created unifying moments that I and the listeners will never forget!”

She continued: “I am beyond honoured and ready to start this exciting new chapter on Radio 1. I’m such a fan of this show, the artists that is has championed and to be receiving the baton from Annie who I love and respect makes it extra special for me.

“Massive big up to every single one of my daytime producers and The Live Lounge/smug life listener crew, I have loved hearing your stories and enjoying keeping you company with tunes in daytime and look forward to continuing that in September, so see you a few hours later!”