Seven years after joining as an intern, drive-time broadcaster Reece Parkinson is quitting BBC Radio 1Xtra. The DJ ascended the ranks and aired a weekend show before succeeding MistaJam in 2020.
He described his time at the station as a “life-changing experience.”
Lady Leshurr, who is suspected of assaulting her ex-girlfriend and is awaiting trial, is also being replaced as the station announces a significant schedule change.
Since she was charged in October, the 35-year-old from Birmingham has been off the air from her Saturday afternoon spot.
She will stand trial later this year on two counts of assault resulting in actual bodily harm. She disputes the allegations.
Reece joined 1Xtra in 2016 and has since hosted the Weekend Morning Show and 1Xtra Talks, the premier news and current affairs program of the station.
The same year he began preparing for an ultramarathon for a Newsbeat documentary, he landed the drive-time role.
The DJ was forced to withdraw from the race after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes days before the event. Six months later, though, he resumed training and completed a grueling 50-mile race.
Reece stated that he used his time at 1Xtra “fulfilling my objective to provide positivity and brightness to the audience.”
He stated,
“I’m very enthusiastic to produce more life-altering experiences at scale in my next project.”
Remi Burgz, who joined 1Xtra in 2021, will occupy the sought-after 16:00-19:00 time slot.
She stated,
“I am incredibly appreciative of this chance, and I cannot believe I’ve been entrusted to continue this incredible job.
“Reece Parkinson has left behind enormous footprints, but I’m up for the challenge.”
Joelah Noble will replace Lady Leshurr as the host of the Saturday 13:00-16:00 show.
Joelah, who was the official host of a behind-the-scenes YouTube show after the Lionesses’ success at Euro 2022 last summer, described the new show as a “dream.”
“Radio is one of my favorite things, so having my own radio show is a dream come true,” she remarked.
When Kaylee Golding replaces Remi between 13:00 and 16:00 on weekdays, the station will have its first-weekday show broadcast from outside London.
Kaylee stated that she was “very thrilled” to be reporting from her hometown of Birmingham.
Faron McKenzie, the head of 1Xtra, stated that the new schedule would go into effect on April 3.
“As a native of Birmingham, I am very thrilled to be fulfilling this commitment and bringing 1Xtra to such an incredible and diverse city,” he said.
“I’m delighted to watch Kaylee represent, connect with new audiences, and infuse 1Xtra afternoons with her lively, Brummie spirit.
Everyone at the network will miss Reece, and we wish him the best of luck with his exciting new endeavors, he said.
Remi has established a remarkable rapport with our listeners in such a short period of time, confirming her standing as a broadcasting superstar.
“To cap it all off, Joelah is set to launch her new show, and her cheerful, warm, and welcoming demeanor makes her ideal for Saturday afternoons.”
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