Annie Mac quits BBC Radio 1 after 17 years

Annie Mac has announced she will be leaving Radio 1 after 17 years at the station.

The 42-year-old DJ started as an assistant producer before hosting her first show in 2004, Annie Mac's Mashup.

Mac said in a statement: “After 17 wonderful years I have decided it’s time to leave Radio 1.

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“This second home has been the thread that has run through nearly my whole adult life.

“I have grown up, fallen in and out of love, moved homes, climbed up the career ladder, got married and become a mother twice over.

She went on: “I have done this alongside you, my listeners, who have done your own versions of the same.

“I will be forever grateful to you all for welcoming me into your days. I have never not walked out of the studio feeling lighter and happier than when I walked in and that is all down to you."

Mac explained in lengthy post to her Twitter account that she was leaving because she needed more time to see the two children she shares with husband Thomas Bell, aka DJ Toddla T, now they are both of school age.

She shared that she also wanted to focus on other projects too, like penning fiction and creating podcasts.

The mother-of-two already hosts her own podcast, Changes.

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She said she would be returning to radio broadcasting "when the time is right".

Clara Amfo will replace Mac as host of Radio 1's Future Sounds in September.

With additional reporting by PA.

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