HEARTBREAKING NEWS: BBC radio star announces exit in emotional statement
BBC Radio 1 presenter Maia Beth has announced she is stepping away from Future Pop, admitting that leaving the show was a “really difficult decision” after five years with the station.
The 26-year-old broadcaster, DJ and professional wrestling presenter shared the news with followers on Instagram on Monday, September 7, reflecting on the opportunities Radio 1 has given her since she began working at the BBC as a teenager.
“Goodbye Future Pop,” Maia began.
“I’ve worked at the BBC since I was a teenager, and BBC Radio 1 for 5 years.”
She went on to look back at some of the biggest moments of her time at the station, including helping champion artists early in their careers.
Maia Looks Back at Radio 1 Highlights
“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,” she wrote.
Maia then confirmed that she had chosen to leave the programme.
“But I made the really difficult decision to leave Future Pop,” she said.
“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!”
The presenter made clear that her decision does not mean she is stepping away from music or broadcasting altogether.
Instead, she revealed that a number of new projects are already lined up.
New Projects Already in the Works
Maia said she will continue interviewing and supporting artists while expanding her work across music, live entertainment and professional wrestling.
“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,” she wrote.
She also reassured listeners that she would not completely disappear from BBC Radio 1.
Maia said she would continue presenting Happy Anthems, meaning her departure from Future Pop is not a full exit from the station.
She ended her message by thanking the colleagues, artists and listeners who had been part of her time on the show.
Support quickly poured in from across the broadcasting and music worlds.
Fellow presenter Jodie Bryant wrote: “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.”
Radio 1 DJ Jack Saunders added: “Ahhh, no, sorry to see you go, Maia. Good luck with your next moves.”
Singer-songwriter Dylan simply told her: “You are the greatest.”
Broadcaster Clara Amfo also showed her support with a string of rocket emojis.
Radio 1 Continues Major Shake-Up
Maia’s announcement comes during a period of significant change at BBC Radio 1.
Presenter Natalie O’Leary also recently said goodbye to the station after five years, describing her time there as “everything.”
“It’s impossible to put the last 5 years into pictures, let alone words,” Natalie told followers.
She was one of six presenters confirmed to be leaving Radio 1 as part of a wider shake-up.
Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, James Cusack and Swarzy were also included among the departures announced by the station.
“We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next,” Radio 1 said in July.
For Maia, however, the latest move appears to be less of a goodbye to the BBC and more of a shift into a broader new chapter.
While Future Pop will continue without her, she has made clear that championing new artists will remain at the heart of what she does next.
