Fearne Cotton to leave Radio 1 after ten years

Fearne Cotton has announced she will be leaving Radio 1, confirming her pregnancy as she looks forward to a “new chapter”.

Announcing the news on her official website, Cotton, whose departure marks almost three weeks since Zane Lowe confirmed his intention to leave the station, said “I have had the most incredible decade broadcasting on Radio 1, meeting wonderful people, helping break artists and watching live music from the world’s best”.

Fearne Cotton will continue to host her mid-morning show until 22nd May, though she will also co-host Radio 1’s Big Weekend a day later.

Radio 1 & 1Xtra Controller Ben Cooper also commented on the DJs departure, saying “Fearne has been an amazing ambassador for new music and Radio 1, and we want to wish her and her family all the very best for the future”.

Meanwhile, Clara Amfo, who recently took over from Jameela Jamil on Radio 1’s Weekly Chart Show, has been confirmed to replace Fearne Cotton, with Cooper adding “I’m also so excited for Clara, as she represents the next generation of Radio 1 DJs bringing the best new music to young audiences in the UK.”

In other changes, Annie Mac will head up Radio 1’s evening shows, taking Zane Lowe’s place, whilst Phil Taggart will present the Sunday night Musical Hot Water Bottle show as of Sunday 8th March (full story here)