BFBS to broadcast via BBC Radio 1 on Christmas Day

BBC Radio 1 is teaming up with BFBS on Christmas Day to give troops the opportunity to send Christmas messages to their families and friends in the UK.

Four one hour shows from 10am till 2pm will broadcast from military bases in Cyprus, Germany, Brunei, Gibraltar and Bahrain, with each featuring messages from members of the forces and some surprise guests.

All shows will be hosted by BFBS presenters – Akylah Rodriguez and Ben Coley will kick off the takeover at 10am from Cyprus, followed by Elliot Darby and Rosie Da Costa broadcasting from Germany between 11am and midday.

From midday to 1pm, Hayley Hammond and Curtis Tyler will broadcast from Brunei, and for the final hour of the takeover, Danny Parkinson and Greg Burnet will team up for a co-host, with Danny broadcasting from Gibraltar and Greg broadcasting from Bahrain.

?@BFBSRadioHQ and their presenters will host four one-hour shows on @BBCR1 on 25 December:

10 – 11am: @akylahofficial & @bencoley97
11am – midday: @elliotdarby & @rosie_eisor
Midday – 1pm: @HayleyHammond_ & @CDTyler7
1 – 2pm: @DannyParkinson & @BaldyboyP pic.twitter.com/oAcRsek6oS

— BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra & Asian Network Press Office (@BBCRadio1PR) December 8, 2020

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, says: “Throughout this year Radio 1 has been striving to ensure the voices of young people are heard during the pandemic. This Christmas, with so many young troops unable to return home, I’m pleased we’re able to do something to put a spotlight on them and help connect them to their families over the holiday period.”

Nicky Ness, Director of Broadcasting & Entertainment for BFBS, says: “At BFBS we work tirelessly to entertain and inform our armed forces, and to keep those serving overseas connected with family and friends at home.

“So, in a year where many people have been missing their loved ones, we’re especially thrilled to be working alongside Radio 1 on Christmas Day to help us connect our forces with home.”