EXCLUSIVE: Nick Grimshaw QUITS Radio One after 14 year stint with Jordan North and Vick Hope lined up as replacements… as insiders insist departure was not about money
Nick Grimshaw has quit Radio 1 after 14 years at the station.
The presenter, 36, who joined BBC Radio 1 in September 2007, is hanging up his microphone, with Jordan North and Vick Hope set to takeover his Drivetime show.
Speaking on his show on Wednesday, Nick said of his departure: ‘I have some news guys, some big news.
‘It’s big news for me to announce. I want to do it at the start of the show otherwise I’ll be weird for the next two hours.
End of an era: Nick Grimshaw has quit Radio 1 after 14 years at the station (pictured in 2018)
‘I’ve been thinking about it for a little while, after 14 years of working here I’ve made a big decision.’
Nick went on to say how he has kept his exit a secret and hasn’t ‘told anyone’ as he wanted to let his listeners be the first to know.
He said: ‘It a huge decision, an exciting one and a happy one. It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought. Radio 1 is home to me. It’s the only station I’ve wanted to work.
Replacements: The presenter, 36, who joined BBC Radio 1 in September 2007, is hanging up his microphone, with Vick Hope (L) and Jordan North (R) set to takeover his Drivetime show
‘I was thinking the past 18 months have been the most surreal moments ever. A lot of you guys, you take stock in times like this and look at your life. I looked at mine and I wanted to make that change.
‘My childhood dream was to work on Radio 1 and I have been lucky enough to make that dream come true.
‘It has been everything I’d imagined and even more. I grew up wanting to connect with people and to feel accepted and the Radio 1 listeners gave me that and let me be part of their daily life, for which I will be eternally grateful.
‘But over the last few months I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my future and after 14 years, I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on – I’d like to thank the listeners as without them none of this could have been possible and the Radio 1 family, who have been such a huge part of my life. Thank you thank you thank you.’
14 years@ Grimshaw joined BBC Radio 1 in 2007 presenting the BBC’s youth strand Switch with close friend and fellow DJ Annie Mac (pictured in 2018)
It comes as insiders told MailOnline, Nick’s decision to leave Radio 1 ‘isn’t about money’, but because he wants a new challenge.
A source told MailOnline: ‘It’s not about the money. He’s done Drivetime, the Breakfast show, hosted late night but now he’s stepping away from radio as he wants a new challenge.
‘Nick’s loved every minute of his time at Radio 1 and loves broadcasting. He will still be starring on Celebrity Gogglebox.
‘He has been at Radio 1 for 14 years and wanted a change.’
MailOnline has contacted Radio 1 and Nick’s representatives for comment.
BBC bosses have chosen ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ runner-up Jordan, 31, and Vick, also 31, to replace him on the airwaves in the afternoons, starting from Monday, 6 September 2021.
Grimshaw joined BBC Radio 1 in 2007 presenting the BBC’s youth strand Switch with close friend and fellow DJ Annie Mac.
He hosted the show for 9 months solo while Mac hosted a weekend lunchtime slot.
The radio host then went on to present Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast Show, followed by the 10pm – midnight slot on BBC Radio 1 on 1 June 2009, following the departure of Colin Murray.
He was handed the prestigious Breakfast Show slot in 2012 taking over from the hugely popular Chris Moyles.
He stayed on air in the AM until 2018 when he swapped shows with Greg James. he move meant Grimshaw took over the 4-7pm drivetime slot.
In July 2017 the BBC confirmed that Grimshaw’s salary was in the £350,000 – £399,999 bracket.