Westwood to leave Radio 1 after 20 years

A new Saturday night schedule for 1 and 1Xtra means long-serving DJ Tim Westwood will leave the station from the middle of September.

New shows for MistaJam, Charlie Sloth and DJ Target will air replacing Westwood, during the weekly 12-hour simulcast when Radio 1 and 1Xtra come together on air.

Westwood joined Radio 1 in 1994 to present the station’s first rap show. He has also been a key part of the Radio 1Xtra schedule over the years, having hosted a Sunday night show as well as the drive time show on the network.

Talking about Westwood, Controller Ben Cooper says: “I’d like to thank Tim for the last 20 years on Radio 1 – his passion for Hip Hop is legendary – I wish him all the very best.”

From 21 September, Saturday nights will start with MistaJam at 7pm, followed by Charlie Sloth at 9pm and DJ Target at 11pm. The Radio 1Xtra simulcast will then continue as usual with shows from Diplo and Friends; Friction and Seani B until 7 am.

“I’m very excited about having a great new line up for the next generation of Radio 1 and 1Xtra listeners,” Ben Cooper comments.

Other changes include new signing Clara Amfo taking over the Weekend Breakfast Show on 1Xtra taking over the reins from Yasmin Evans who left the show in July to co-host 1Xtra Breakfast.

The Surrey born presenter is the current voice behind The Official UK Top 40, 20 and Official Chart Update on various MTV channels. Previously she has hosted her own radio show on Kiss FM UK and was nominated for the ‘Rising Star’ award at the 2012 Sony Radio Awards.

Clara says: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Radio 1Xtra. I have been a fan of the station since its inception. I respect and admire all of its DJs and presenters and I can’t wait to be a part of the BBC family.”

Trevor Nelson, current host of the 7-9pm Saturday night simulcast show has just renewed his contract with Radio 1Xtra, presenting his weekday show on the station. Trevor will continue to present his Wednesday night soul show on Radio 2.