Why is jo whiley leaving radio 1

She added: "I'm very much looking forward to hosting a new show for a new year which will have music at the very heart of it as well as guests and live sessions. Dream show, actually. Can't wait! Further details of the early evening Radio 2 schedule will be announced in the near future. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later?

Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Edith Bowman, 35, presenter of the early afternoon show, lost her slot to year-old Greg James, who previously presented the early breakfast show. Whiley, who is credited with giving Britain its first TV taste of bands such as Nirvana while a music booker on cult TV show The Word, will present the weekend afternoon show between 1pm and 4pm, replacing Nihal, while Bowman will move to weekend breakfast.

The shake-up, which sees Whiley replaced by a presenter 17 years her junior, follows criticism that Radio 1's presenting line-up had grown too old for its target audience of to year-olds. Andy Parfitt, the Radio 1 controller, said the move was designed to ensure the station engaged with its listeners.

The move comes after the BBC was forced to deny claims of ageism after it dropped year-old Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips, replacing her with singer Alesha Dixon, 30, for the autumn series. Dream show, actually. Thousands of listeners signed a petition calling for the restoration of the old format. Log In. Contact us Sign up for newsletters.

Log In Register now My account. October 22, pm Updated October 9, pm. Whiley move after pay row The move took place at the height of the BBC gender pay gap row, with Whiley moving from her evening show to a more prominent slot.

My first job at Radio Sussex. Onwards and Upwards! When she joined Mayo in May, Whiley became the first female DJ on the station's weekday daytime schedule for 20 years. But some listeners complained that there was no chemistry between the pair.

When their departure from the slot was confirmed, Mayo took to Twitter to defend his co-host.