BBC Radio 1 moves weekend breakfast to Salford as new cover presenters announced

Changes at BBC Radio 1 include James Cusack taking over weekend breakfast and hosting the show from Manchester.

James was first heard on Radio 1 in 2020 as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover and has since covered a wide-range of shows across the station.

Also announced today, Jeremiah Asiamah is to cover for Mollie King, joining Matt Edmondson to host the station’s afternoon show.

In addition, Maia Beth and Jodie Bryant will cover Mollie’s Radio 1 Future Pop show on rotation.

Maia was given her first opportunity to host on the station during the 2021 festive period as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover. From there she has regularly covered Radio 1’s Future Pop and currently presents two shows on Radio 1’s new extension – Radio 1 Anthems.

Jodie also came through Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover where she was given the opportunity to host Radio 1’s Future Pop during Christmas 2022.

She has since gone on to frequently cover the show whilst also being a regular host for BBC Introducing Sussex and Surrey. Jodie’s keen interest in new music has led her to host and curate a number of live events focussed on championing the very best independent and new music.

Presenting duo Sam and Danni will move to a new afternoon show (Friday – Sunday, 1pm-4pm) from weekend breakfast.

And finally, Oré Olukoga and Swarzy will join the station to host a brand-new show, Radio 1 Weekend Early Breakfast (Saturday and Sunday, 6am-7am). Oré will present the show on Saturdays and Swarzy on Sundays.

Oré was part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover 2022 and after trying his hand at hosting Radio 1 Anthems, took over Friday Early Breakfast in 2023 and has since covered various shows on the network. Swarzy currently hosts 1Xtra’s Weekend Breakfast Show on Saturdays, joining the station in 2022 after having previously presented the weekend breakfast show on KISS FM.

Aled Haydn Jones says: “Everyone at Radio 1 is thrilled for Mollie as she embarks on this new chapter and we wish her the best of luck on her maternity leave. It’s also an amazing opportunity for Jeremiah, Maia and Jodie who I’m sure will do a brilliant job at covering her shows.

“Congratulations to Sam and Danni on their new afternoon show. This is an exciting next step, and I know they’ll bring something special to the slot.

“I’m also delighted to welcome three fantastic new presenters to the Radio 1 family and can’t wait for listeners to get to know James, Oré and Swarzy.”