James Cusack lands new Radio 1 show as station announces schedule changes

James Cusack is stepping into a permanent role as the new host of Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast show, airing from Salford on Saturdays and Sundays from 7-10 a.m., beginning January 11. Originally from Yorkshire, James first appeared on Radio 1 in 2020 during the station’s Christmas Takeover and has since covered numerous shows. Excited for this new chapter, James said, “After a couple of years as the cover guy, it’s a dream come true to have my own show on Radio 1. We’ve got so many fun ideas, and I can’t wait to start waking up the nation on Weekend Breakfast!”

In other programming updates, Jeremiah Asiamah will be joining Matt Edmondson on Radio 1’s afternoon show (Monday to Thursday, 1-3:30 p.m.) to fill in for Mollie King while she’s on maternity leave. Their first show together is set for December 2. Known for his high-energy hosting style on Radio 1’s Soundsystem Party and 1Xtra’s Rave Show, Jeremiah is ready to bring his lively vibe to weekday afternoons. “No pressure covering one of the biggest shows on Radio 1, just gotta make sure I don’t throw up mid link,” he joked.

Edmondson added, “Jerry was the number one name on both mine and Mollie’s list for her maternity cover – we’re both huge fans of his, and I’m hoping he can learn a thing or two about being incredibly cool from me.”

Meanwhile, Maia Beth and Jodie Bryant will rotate hosting duties on Mollie’s Future Pop show (Thursdays, 8-10 p.m.). Maia, who got her start through Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover in 2021, expressed her excitement, saying, “I live and breathe pop music…I can’t explain what a joy it is to be supporting their journey and helping give a platform to talented artists who really deserve it.” Jodie, who first hosted Future Pop during the 2022 Christmas Takeover, added, “Championing new artists during such an exciting pop era is a proper dream come true. Let’s go!”

Listeners will also see a fresh weekend lineup as Sam and Danni move to a new afternoon show slot from Friday to Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Known for their chemistry and engaging style, the duo will be taking listeners into the afternoons with music, fun guests, and plenty of laughs.

Additionally, Oré Olukoga and Swarzy are joining the Radio 1 team to host the new Weekend Early Breakfast show (6-7 a.m.). Oré, who debuted during the 2022 Christmas Takeover, will host on Saturdays, while Swarzy, a familiar voice from 1Xtra’s Weekend Breakfast, will take on Sundays. Oré said, “I’m so excited to be joining the Radio 1 family! We’re going to have loads of fun on Weekend Early Breakfast – great tunes, good chat, a bit of chaos, what more could you want?” Swarzy shared her excitement, saying, “I can’t wait to bring nothing but good vibes – let’s go!”

Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones, celebrated these new appointments: “Everyone at Radio 1 is thrilled for Mollie as she embarks on this new chapter…Congratulations to Sam and Danni on their new afternoon show, and I’m also delighted to welcome James, Oré, and Swarzy to the Radio 1 family.”