SAD NEWS: BBC radio star announces exit in emotional statement
The Radio 1 star said it had been a “really difficult decision” to leave.
DJ Maia Beth is leaving BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop (Image: Getty)
Presenter Maia Beth has announced her exit from Mollie King’s Future Pop. In an Instagram announcement, the BBC radio host, DJ, and professional wrestling broadcaster addressed fans on Monday (7 September).
“Goodbye Future Pop. I’ve worked at the BBC since I was a teenager, and BBC Radio 1 for 5 years,” she began.
“Radio 1 has given me so many beautiful opportunities, like being the first person in the UK to play Chappell Roan, DJing Main Stage at Big Weekend in Sunderland, moshing side of stage to Limp Bizkit, & helping to support so many artists’ careers I love on Future Pop.
“But I made the really difficult decision to leave Future Pop,” Maia continued. “Anyone who knows me will know how much I love this show and how passionate I am about supporting artists’ journeys from the very start – and I’m still going to be doing that!
Maia revealed that she’s got plenty of other projects in the works (Image: Getty)
“I’m going to be interviewing artists for the Mercury Prize, doing the Gladiators live tour, DJing the finish line of the Great North Run, working at so many amazing wrestling shows and celebrating new music every way I can.”
Noting that she wouldn’t be “a stranger to BBC Radio 1,” Maia said she’d continue to helm Happy Anthems before thanking her colleagues, as well as the artists she’s worked with on the show.
Shortly after posting, Maia, 26, was inundated with messages of support. “Star star star! Has been a JOY working alongside you, and now hopefully we’ll actually see each other now/ work together more! BIG LOVE POP GIRLS 4EVA,” replied fellow radio presenter Jodie Bryant.
“Ahhh, no, sorry to see you go, Maia. Good luck with your next moves,” added DJ Jack Saunders. Meanwhile, singer and songwriter Dylan raved, “You are the greatest,” and broadcaster Clara Amfo responded with several rocket emojis.
Maia isn’t the only Radio 1 star embarking on a new chapter these days. Just last week, presenter Natalie O’Leary bid farewell on Instagram. “It’s impossible to put the last 5 years into pictures, let alone words,” she told fans. “But @bbcradio1, it’s been everything. Thank you to everyone who’s listened and supported me and to the amazing friends I’ve made for life. I love you all so much – cya later, babes. P.S. Go and listen to my last show!!! @lucianodomenico & @vkhawkesworth worked sooooo hard on making it amazing, and it was everything and more.”
Natalie was one of six presenters confirmed to be leaving Radio 1 amidst plans for a major shakeup. She’s in the same boat as colleagues Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, James Cusack and Swarzy. “We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next,” the station said in a statement released in July.
