Radio 1 signs Vick Hope to host weekend shows

Former Capital Breakfast co-host Vick Hope is joining BBC Radio 1 from Sunday 6 September to co-host Life Hacks followed by The Official Chart: First Look.

Vick will join current co-host Katie Thistleton on Life Hacks, the show which discusses issues affecting young people, and The Official Chart: First Look.

Newcastle born Vick previously worked at MTV, ITV and Channel 4. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and most recently, spent three years as co-host of Capital FM’s Breakfast Show.

The news of Vick’s signing to Radio 1 had been delayed after the sudden death of Capital producer Joe Lyons last week. She posted on Twitter that it had been an extremely tough time and she hadn’t felt it was the right time to share her news. She also thanked Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones and his team at the BBC for understanding.

Speaking about her new role, Vick Hope says: “Joining the BBC Radio 1 family is an absolute dream come true.

“I grew up listening to Radio 1 religiously, and am honoured to present Life Hacks, a show that is so important to me and so many listeners.

“Right back since the days of The Surgery, I have loved listening to this weekly platform which so openly, honestly and thoroughly discusses issues affecting young people: from mental health and grief to education and careers, sex and relationships to racism. Above all, Life Hacks is a community, a space where, whatever is going on in your life, you can know you’re not alone.

“I am excited to be a part of continuing to build this community of support and advice and look forward to turning my hand to hosting The Official Chart: First Look too.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “We’re delighted to welcome the incredibly talented Vick to Radio 1, and we can’t wait for the listeners to see what she’ll bring to both Life Hacks and The Official Chart: First Look. We’d also like to thank Cel for his valuable contribution to both shows, and I’m pleased he’ll be remaining a part of the Radio 1 family.”

Cel Spellman is leaving Life Hacks and The Official Chart: First Look at the end of August to focus on his other broadcasting and acting commitments, while also remaining a part of Radio 1. He says: “If you had told me when I first covered the Sunday afternoon slot in 2014 what would follow, I wouldn’t have believed you.

“I still can’t quite believe it, yet here we are. Getting to share my Sunday afternoon with the Radio 1 listeners for the last five years has been one of my greatest privileges, joys and achievements.

“I can’t wait to live out this next chapter of my career, continuing being a part of the Radio 1 family whilst also being able to focus and dedicate more time to my acting, broadcasting and social action commitments and ambitions. Peace and love.”

Vick’s appointment coincides with Radio 1 introducing a new schedule from 1 September, which includes a new time slot for the Greg James Breakfast Show and Radio 1’s Future Sounds with Annie Mac. There will also be a new show dedicated to supporting emerging artists hosted by Jack Saunders.