BBC Radio One is facing yet another shake-up as the broadcaster has confirmed Lauren Layfield and Shanequa Paris will be joining the station. The duo will be taking over from the Life Hacks show from April 7.
The duo will present the show every Sunday for two hours from 4pm to 6pm, taking over from Vick Hope and Katie Thistleton. Listeners have been used to Vick and Katie hosting the show for the past seven years since they began in 2017.
However, the pair aren’t leaving the broadcaster completely as they are joining Jamie Laing on the Going Home show following Jordan North’s exit. Lauren took to Instagram to announce the news as she shared her excitement with fans.
In a post, she wrote: “I was 14 when I decided I wanted to be a radio presenter. But being from a small town, I didn’t EVER think it would be possible, let alone to end up at Radio 1, the station I’ve always listened to and loved. I cannot believe we’ve made it here.
“The biggest thanks to @ahjones & @bbcradio1 – getting that phone call was just magic.” The new host told her followers she’ll try her best to fill Vick and Katie’s “big shoes”.
She added: “I’m not very good at being heartfelt on social media but it’s been a JOURNEY.
“So I would just like to say: if you truly believe something is meant for you, keep going, keep trying.
“Keep getting better at what you do, ‘cause you just never know when it might work out. Life can be great.”
Some fans may recognise Lauren from a viral moment on kid’s TV back in 2022 when she was a CBBC presenter.
Speaking with the puppet called Hacker T Dog, Lauren burst out laughing and snorted at something the character said.
Facing her, the puppet commented: “We’re just normal men….we’re just innocent men.”
This left Lauren to dissolve into giggles, unable to control herself.
It wasn’t long before people commented on Lauren’s post to congratulate her on the new role with Radio 1.
Natalie O’Leary said: “Ahhh massive congratulations Lauren!!! So so happy for you [sic] can’t wait to listen.”
Sonny Jay commented: “Ahhh this is amazing, congratulations Lauren.”
With Vick Hope adding: “Loooooooove!”