Judge Jules, Gilles Peterson among DJs leaving Radio 1

By Steven McIntosh
Newsbeat reporter Skream & Benga will host their own show from April next year

BBC Radio 1 has announced a shake-up of its dance music schedule.

Skream & Benga, Friction, Toddla T and Charlie Sloth will all host new shows on the station.

Benga said: ''This is a massive honour and we're going to make the show really special. I'm so excited to get started and everyone is going to have a lovely time on Fridays!''

The new line-up is due to begin on Monday 2 April 2012.

Toddla T said: ''Wowza! So happy to have been given the chance to broadcast on Radio 1 every week.

"I'm looking forward to bringing the best in party club music from around the world to listeners.''

The 26-year-old will take on the 2am-4am slot on Friday mornings.

A brand new show, the BBC Radio 1 Residency, will broadcast on Thursday nights.

The programme will be hosted by DJs including Heidi, Chuckie and Kutski, who will rotate presenting duties every week.

Also joining Radio 1 is Charlie Sloth, who currently presents on 1Xtra. He takes on the 2am-4am slot on Tuesdays.

Drum & Bass DJ Friction will join the station to front his own show on Monday mornings from 2am.

Ben Cooper, controller of Radio 1, said: ''It's important that Radio 1 continues to develop new talent and the station keeps evolving for our young listeners.

"These changes to our evening schedule will strengthen the range and depth of the specialist music offering on the network.''

'Incredible time'

The changes mean Judge Jules, Gilles Peterson, Fabio & Grooverider and Kissy Sell Out will leave the station.

Ben Cooper said: ''We'd like to thank Jules, Gilles and Fabio & Grooverider for over a decade of hard work and commitment to music at Radio 1, and also to Kissy Sell Out his contribution over the last three years.

"All are incredibly talented and we wish them the very best for the future.''

Judge Jules, who is leaving after 14 years at the station, said: "I've had an incredible time at Radio 1.

"I'm going to continue DJ'ing and I'm having a bit of a career change - I'm off to become an entertainment lawyer."

Gilles Peterson is now in talks with BBC 6Music about possible new projects.

He said: "I've had an amazing 13 years at Radio 1.

"To be able to get away with the radical music that I've pushed out has always surprised me and I thank Radio 1 for giving me the freedom to do that."