Radio 1’s Future Sounds presenter Clara Amfo is stepping down from the show to focus on special programmes on the network instead.
Clara will also host a new show exclusive to BBC Sounds, whilst Jack Saunders takes on Future Sounds.
The change comes as a number of new shows for Sian Eleri, Alyx Holcombe and Arielle Free are also announced.
Jack currently presents Radio 1’s Future Artists and The Official Chart on the station. He will begin hosting the new show on 15 April.
Jack Saunders says, “All I’ve ever wanted to do is host this show on Radio 1 and all my dreams have become a reality. I can’t wait to champion new music and be the voice for a new generation of artists.”
Clara has presented Future Sounds since 2021 and was previously the host of Radio 1’s Live Lounge, The Official Chart on Radio 1, and her 1Xtra programme. Clara’s last Future Sounds show will be at the end of March.
Clara Amfo says, “I’m so proud of the work I’ve been able to do on every show, whether it’s been from the 8th floor, a city in the UK or a pop star’s house across the pond! I’m grateful to have had the ears of the listeners who have consistently shown up for me. I’m enamoured by everyone I’ve had the privilege of working alongside for each and every broadcast. I’m energised and excited for my next chapter as part of the network and beyond!”
Succeeding Jack Saunders as he moves to Future Sounds, Sian Eleri has been announced as the host of a new show focused on launching new artists and bands from across all genres into the night-time schedule of Radio 1 (20:00 – 22:00 Monday to Wednesday). The new show will launch in April 2024. Sian currently presents The Chillest Show and The Power Down Playlist, both on Radio 1, after her previous show on BBC Radio Cymru.
Sian Eleri says, “I’m overjoyed to land Radio 1’s Future Artists. Covering the show has always been a delight, and I’m excited to build on what is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding parts of the job – finding and championing the best new artists in the world for listeners to enjoy, at such a prestigious time slot for the station. I can’t wait.”
Alyx Holcombe will be taking over the hosting duties of Radio 1’s Indie Show (21:00 – 23:00) every Sunday starting from 7 January. Alyx presents the BBC Introducing Rock show on Radio 1 and has been a champion of new artists, often giving them their first play, particularly rock, emo and metal.
Alyx Holcombe says, “I’m absolutely buzzing to be the new face of indie and alternative on Radio 1 – the show has been so fun to cover over the summer and I can’t believe I’m going to get to do it every week!”
Arielle Free is joining the Radio 1 Dance family with a new dance show on Thursday nights starting in April 2024. Arielle currently hosts the Radio 1 Early Breakfast show.
Arielle Free says: “Beyond overjoyed to bring a whole new dance show to Thursday nights on Radio 1. I can’t wait to dive into the most exciting dance and electronic music releases, and bring what I do in the club to the airwaves. To be launching this show as I hit my six year anniversary as part of the Radio 1 family feels particularly special and as an official music obsessive I can’t wait to guide the listeners through two hours of high energy musical goodness which will be full of heaters and certified dance floor fillers.”
Aled Haydn-Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, says: “Jack was born to host this show – I am so excited to hear what he delivers for Radio 1’s music loving audience. I am delighted that Sian, Alyx and Arielle also gain new shows – they join a great line-up of specialist presenters on Radio 1 who will put a strong spotlight on new UK music artists, bands and DJs.
“I’d like to thank Clara for everything she has done for Future Sounds and I’m delighted that she will be staying with Radio 1 and BBC Music to continue to bring some amazing artist highlights over the next year and beyond.”