Radio 1 star quits radio quits early morning show and will be on air just once a week after on air controversy
RADIO 1 star Arielle Free has quit her early morning show and will be on air just once a week following her bizarre rant.
The 36-year-old, who joined the Beeb in 2019, was suspended last August for a week – after her on-air bust up with Charlie Hedges.
Arielle has now revealed that she will be stepping down in June and her replacement for her Radio 1 Early Breakfast slot will be filled by Dean McCullough.
But fans will not need to worry as Arielle is not leaving the station - instead she'll be bringing a whole new dance show to Thursday nights on BBC Radio 1 from April.
She shared a string of photos and clips from her time at the station and said: "Hiya pals! Some news! As we edge closer to April and launch of my BRAND NEW DANCE SHOW (god I love getting to say that!!) I have made the decision to hand over my early breakfast headphones.
"I’ve bloody loved being a part of the Early brekkie gang. We’ve got through a lot together.
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"There’s been numerous brain farts, Free Fails, a pandemic, endless rounds of Beat or Repeat, countless coat hangers and I’ll never forget those voice notes sent during the cycling challenge.
"Miraculously I only slept through one alarm and even then I still made it in for 5.30am and let’s be honest I’ve made 4-7am the raviest it’s ever been at Radio 1.
"Six years of getting up at 3am, it can take its toll and although I’ll miss the daily Disconaps, I’m hoping I’ll stop falling asleep everywhere I go.
"I live and breathe dance music in all its many wonderful forms and I really want to make my new show the best showcase of what’s lighting up the dance floor as I possibly can."
She continued: "So my early brekkie crew, I love you and you’ll still find me in your evenings lining up all the Big Whoppers.
"My last EB show will be 27th June which is the beginning of Glastonbury.
"Chosen especially so we can all have one final rave up at dawn together!
"Your new host Dean McCullough is going to love you all and I can’t wait for you to join me on Thursday nights. HWFG."
It comes after Arielle was suspended last summer after being pulled off air and told to "have some respect" during a chaotic Ibiza broadcast.
It comes after an incident occurred live on air with Charlie Hedges.
The former Love Island: The Morning After podcast host joined Radio 1's Dance Anthem host Charlie on her show as a guest on July 29 in the party hot spot of Ibiza.
Arielle decided to tell Charlie what she thought of her show.
She said: “Can I be honest with you Charlie?... I expected better of you... I don't like this song."
"Oh really?," Charlie replied. Arielle continued: "I hate it!"
Charlie butted in, saying in reply: “Sorry I’m taking your mic down, it’s my show Arielle, have some respect please.
"See you later. Get out of here.”
At the time, a spokesperson for Radio 1 said: “Whilst we would not comment on individual matters, we have strict codes of behaviour for staff and presenters, and any breaches are taken extremely seriously.”
Arielle was a guest on the show as part of a scheduled appearance.
Those listening in at the time were shocked at what had happened.
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One said on Twitter: "@ariellefree @ahj that was awful, Charlie did well to shut you down. Any other job and you would be fired!"
Another praised Charlie and said: "Show some respect Arielle Free @BBCR1 Well done @charliehedges."
