BBC Radio 1 is launching a new three-hour chart show broadcast weekly from Birmingham, as part of a major reshuffle that sees TikTok stars joining the station and several presenters departing.
New Birmingham Show
Warwick-born Lauren Layfield will host The Official Chart: First Look from Birmingham every Sunday from 4pm to 7pm, starting September 2026. The programme will showcase the hottest new tracks expected to feature in that week's Official Chart.
The BBC said the show revives the tradition of Sunday afternoon chart rundowns, which historically attracted huge audiences. Layfield commented: “Time to polish up those counting backwards skills - can’t wait to bring three full hours of the biggest songs in the UK back to Sundays with The Official Chart: First Look. The Official Chart: First Look is the only one that counts and it’s where you get to find out where Friday’s new releases have landed before anyone else. Come join us!”
TikTok Stars Join
Social media influencers GK Barry (Grace Eleanor Keeling) and Charley Marlowe are set to join Radio 1 in September 2026. Keeling, known for her Saving Grace podcast, will begin with a six-week stint after previous guest appearances. Marlowe, the voice of BBC Three's Kissed A Girl, will co-host the Friday to Sunday 10.30am-1pm show alongside Vicky Hawkesworth.
Departures
Dean McCullough leaves after six years at Radio 1. He said: “This has been such a hard decision for me but it's time to spread my wings after the most incredible six years at Radio 1. A huge thank you to the brilliant Radio 1 listeners who have been with me from Christmas cover to weekends to afternoons and for the last two years of Early Breakfast. It's been a pleasure. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business and I'll cherish the amazing times we had making radio together, thank you – you're all stars. It's time for a change, I'm ready and very excited for the future.”
Other departures include Melvin Odoom, Nat O'Leary, James Cusack, and Swarzy.
Existing Shows
The official top 40 chart continues to broadcast every Friday on Radio 1 from 4pm to 5.45pm, hosted by Jack Saunders.
