Reece Parkinson announced as new 1Xtra drivetime host

The presenter will takeover from MistaJam who is leaving the station after 15 years at the BBC

NEW SHOW: Reece Parkinson

REECE PARKINSON will become the new host of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Drivetime Show as MistaJam leaves the station after 15 years at the BBC.

Parkinson, who first joined 1Xtra as an intern in 2016, has quickly risen through the ranks at the station. He has covered the 1Xtra Weekend Breakfast Show and currently presents 1Xtra Talks on Sundays. 

Parkinson said: “What an incredible honour to be the new host of the 1Xtra Drivetime Show. I really can’t explain how excited and grateful I am to take this show forward. I use to work as an intern when Charlie Sloth was host, it’s really come full circle for me. I cannot wait to bring my energy, passion and love to drive with the music I truly love.”

LEAVING: MistaJam (Photo: Joseph Okpako/Redferns via Getty Images)

He added: “Mostly, importantly, thank you to the 1Xtra listeners who have been nothing but kind whenever I have covered a show on the network, your texts/tweets mean the world. Salute to my big brother MistaJam whom I wish all the luck on his exciting next adventure.”

Faron McKenzie, head of 1Xtra, said: “I am so excited about signing Reece to the Drive Show, he brings a youthful positive passion and energy to 1Xtra coupled with his love of music and culture, he’s an amazing broadcaster with so much unlocked potential. As I continue to forge a path to evolve 1Xtra into the preeminent destination for young black music and culture this is an important step.

“Salute to MistaJam for all his love and dedication over the years for 1Xtra – I wish him all the best with his next chapter.”

MistaJam, whose real name is Peter Dalton, said his tenure at the BBC had been “an amazing journey filled with moments I’ll never forget”.

He tweeted: “I want to thank the entire team both past and present at 1Xtra and Radio 1 for allowing this Black kid from Nottingham a chance to be a broadcaster but most of all, I’d like to thank every single person who’s ever given me their ears.”

Parkinson will start his new role on 1Xtra’s Drivetime Show, which airs Monday to Thursday, 4-7pm, on Monday 28 September.

MistaJam will present his last 1Xtra show on Thursday 24 September and last Radio 1 show on Saturday 26 September. His Radio 1 slot will be taken over by Charlie Hedges from 3 October. 

The award-winning broadcaster has shared his support for both Parkinson and Hedges.

“So happy for both @Reece_Parkinson and @charliehedges – they’re really going to make the shows their own and will absolutely smash it,” he tweeted.

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