Annie Mac set to leave Radio 1 after 17 years
The broadcaster said she intends to spend more time with her children, and on creating more podcasts and fiction
Annie Mac is set to leave BBC Radio 1 after 17 years.
The veteran broadcaster announced the news via a statement on Twitter and on air this morning, April 20.
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Annie is best known for her flagship new music show on weeknights between 6 to 8 PM.
In her statement, Annie said: “I’m still in awe of the magic of music radio. 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.”
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She started as a broadcast assistant in 2002 before Annie Mac’s Mashup began on Thursday nights in 2004.
Her show was moved to Friday where she helped soundtrack the beginning of the weekend for her listeners.
She added that her reasons for leaving included wanting to spend more time with her children, and creating more podcasts and fiction.
Her podcast Changes focuses on how we confront change in our lives while her debut novel Mother Mother is a coming-of-age story about addiction, due to be released in May.
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The broadcaster, who is also a DJ, presenter and festival curator, continued: “To the artists who have come on my shows, it is the most inspiring thing to have watched you grow into your art, harness your talent and take control of your careers. Thank you for sharing your stories with me.”
Praise for Annie has flooded in since her announcement, with CAMELPHAT saying: “Thanks for all your love and support Annie. You literally put us on the map!”
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Her last show will take place on July 30 with Clara Amfo set to take over as host from September 2021.
Annie Mac finished by noting that she would return to radio broadcasting when the time felt right.
It’s time to tell you, my listeners, that after 17 years, my last show on @BBCR1 will take place on 30 July 2021. pic.twitter.com/Uy5KU6nHSF
— Annie Mac (@anniemacmanus) April 20, 2021
Paddy Edrich is a freelance writer, follow him on Twitter
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