Two new presenters will join BBC Radio 1 to take over the Friday Early Breakfast slot as part of a monthly rotation, beginning in April.
Richie Driss and SMASHBengali are the newest names announced to host the show which launched in January 2021 as a means to showcase new and emerging presenting talent.
Richie Driss from St Albans will take the reins in April. Richie started his presenting career on community radio where he presented and produced three shows a week and went onto present for Joe Media where he fronted weekly broadcasts interviewing Hollywood A-listers.
In 2019 he was announced as a host for CBBC’s Blue Peter which he presented for three years.
Richie Driss says: “When I was told I was going to be on Radio 1 throughout April, I was speechless. Which admittedly isn’t great for a radio presenter! But it doesn’t happen unless something as incredible as presenting on the biggest radio station in the world comes along. I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Birmingham born and raised SMASHbengali will be taking over the slot in May. The presenter and comedian currently hosts BBC Asian Network’s Weekend Breakfast show where he delivers the very best Asian entertainment, music and celebrity guests to listeners.
Known for his comedy and light-hearted entertainment, Hashu set up his YouTube channel in 2017 under the alias, SMASHbengali, and since then has built up a huge online community. In 2021 he also appeared on Channel 4’s reality show, ‘The Circle’.
SMASHbengali says: “I don’t think Radio 1 realise what they’ve done, get ready to wake up with an absolute nutter on your Friday mornings. It’s going to be fun, a good cuddle you know? After all, early bird catches the worm. We all need a solid start that can help us smash the day, lucky for you I go by the name SMASHBengali.
“This is also going to be a quite historic because I’ll be the first British Bangladeshi to ever present on Radio 1. So personally, kind of a big deal. Expect me to deliver exactly what you need on your early mornings, because it truly means a lot to me.”
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “This show has been a huge success for Radio 1 over the past few years in showcasing the very best new and emerging talent so I’m excited to welcome Richie and SMASHbengali to the station. I’m looking forward to hearing what they’ll each do with the show.”