The Conversation (0)
Harriet Brewis
Apr 20, 2021
Annie Mac is preparing to bid farewell to Radio 1 listeners after 17 years at the station
@anniemacmanus/Twitter
Iconic DJ Annie Mac is leaving BBCRadio 1 after 17 years at the station.
The Irish broadcaster, 42, hosted her first show on the channel in 2004 and has since become a household name.
Clara Amfo will take over as the host of Radio 1’s Future Sounds in September.
Announcing her departure in a Twitter statement on Tuesday, Mac said her time at the station had been like “the best party ever” as she thanked listeners for “welcoming me into your days”.
Fans instantly flocked to social media to pay tribute to the legendary presenter, hailing her for her “passion and influence”.
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Here’s a look at just some of their homages:
@anniemacmanus represents everything I admire in music broadcasting and I wouldn’t have such a passion for radio an… https://t.co/FtOTpizxFU— Diarmuid O'Brien (@Diarmuid O'Brien) 1618913380
💔 I've grown up listening to you @anniemacmanus! From AMP Presents albums, to Musical Hot Water Bottle when I first… https://t.co/NfdJEYrAyw— Charlea G (@Charlea G) 1618913232
So sad to see this news.. @anniemacmanus brought an energy to her show that I don't think I've seen in another DJ a… https://t.co/X1slrTwttR— Shauna (@Shauna) 1618913200
a legend in and out of the studio. can’t wait to see what you do next annie ❤️ https://t.co/UBjYihrstj— Grace Violet (@Grace Violet) 1618912958
End of era. Some of my favourite bands, alumbs and tunes come from listening to her show. Use to listen back to her… https://t.co/PhdpqZZoNJ— Patient (DnB) (@Patient (DnB)) 1618912901
Legend doesn’t even come close 😢 we will miss you Annie Mac!! https://t.co/Wt0RREn6Mn— Adam Jeff (@Adam Jeff) 1618912904
Annie is one that is truly unmatched in the world of broadcasting. Her unrivalled knowledge of music, presenting sk… https://t.co/4J4U71zCZh— Jack (@Jack) 1618912743
🙌🏽🙌🏽 Iconic https://t.co/6MSUFFgrAt— Alex (@Alex) 1618912807
Admittedly, there was also this anomaly:
I've never heard of her! https://t.co/hIUaJofp6t— Sir Ethel Crimble (@Sir Ethel Crimble) 1618913180
Meanwhile, other fans shared their excitement at her replacement, praising Amfo for securing the “well-deserved” promotion:
WE LOVE TO SEE IT <3<3 Congratulations my love!!! @claraamfo https://t.co/z9vUBZN7zv— Steph (@Steph) 1618910648
We ❤️ you Annie! You absolute icon & superstar. Petition to get Annie an MBE for services to radio, music, suppor… https://t.co/oOD7B29aTZ— Adele Roberts (@Adele Roberts) 1618907200
I cannot say this loudly enough: both @anniemacmanus and @claraamfo are two of the very best. Incredible broadcaste… https://t.co/Iwcs0DtLdO— ian chaloner (@ian chaloner) 1618907593
@BBCRadio1PR @claraamfo All the best, I wondered who would replace Annie and now my mind is at peace.— Reggie Styles 🇸🇱 🇬🇧 (@Reggie Styles 🇸🇱 🇬🇧) 1618907378
@anniemacmanus @BBCR1 Feel like the end of my young adulthood, dramatic but true! You’ll be missed so much Annie th… https://t.co/2yhoXoyaDr— Laura McDonald (@Laura McDonald) 1618912514
Love @anniemacmanus and love @claraamfo ❤️ legends only https://t.co/rPcpcpVJRD— MORGANE À JUAN-LES-PINS ⓥ (@MORGANE À JUAN-LES-PINS ⓥ) 1618909304
Mac’s full statement read: “After 17 wonderful years I have decided it’s time to leave Radio 1.
“This second home has been the thread that has run through nearly my whole adult life.
“I have grown up, fallen in and out of love, moved homes, climbed up the career ladder, got married and become a mother twice over.
“I have done this alongside you, my listeners, who have done your own versions of the same.
“I will be forever grateful to you all for welcoming me into your days. I have never not walked out of the studio feeling lighter and happier than when I walked in and that is all down to you.”
She said: “Working at Radio 1 has been like being at the best party ever and it is a wonderful feeling to be leaving with a huge smile on my face. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Meanwhile, Amfo offered her own personal salut to her soon-to-be predecessor:
The Strictly Come Dancing star, who has presented The Live Lounge, said she is “beyond honoured and ready to start this exciting new chapter”, adding that “to be receiving the baton from Annie who I love and respect makes it extra special for me”.
Head of the station Aled Haydn Jones said: “Annie Mac is quite simply a legend, and has been a hugely important part of the station for the past 17 years.”
He added that Amfo has “long been one of the most influential voices in the music industry” and is ready to take on the new challenge.
Other changes include Rickie, Melvin and Charlie, who joined the station in 2019, hosting Radio 1’s Live Lounge and Danny Howard, who joined after winning the station’s Superstar DJ talent competition in 2011, taking on Radio 1’s Dance Party.
Diplo, who currently occupies 11pm to 1am on Saturday nights with Diplo and Friends, is also leaving.