Greg James’ first BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show is 'unbelievably exciting' as he takes over host duties from Nick Grimshaw

James joked that he has been "planning the show for 20 years"
Natasha Sporn20 August 2018

Greg James hosted his first BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show on Monday, saying it was “unbelievably exciting” and joked he had “planned it for 20 years”.

The former Drivetime DJ took over the flagship morning show from Nick Grimshaw this week, who will now be hosting the afternoon show on the network.

James, 32, greeted listeners with an “oh hi!”, adding: “Well this is unbelievably exciting. It is happening. I should probably start by introducing myself, my name is Greg James and I love radio more than anything else in the world.

“It is there when you are happy, it's there when you are sad. It cheers you up, it makes you laugh, it sums up moments in your life and this is the most famous radio show in the world and it's a privilege to share it with you every morning.

New job: Greg James hosted his first Breakfast show on Monday
BBC / Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James

“There is a lot in today’s show, I’ve been preparing it for about 20 years.”

He then explained that he had been told that the first track “set the tone” of his show and “will be remembered” and that he didn’t want to pick the first song, instead trusting listeners with the decision

After a flash 30-second text vote, James opened with Levels by late artist Avicii.

Listeners all over the country are already smitten with the new host, rushing to congratulate him on his big day.

One wrote: “Haven’t listened to @BBCR1 breakfast show from the beginning since @ChrisMoyles left. Smashing it @gregjames #radio1breakfastshow.”While another said: “Loving this new breakfast show @gregjames @BBCR1 so many tunes!”

“The feel of this show is very refreshing and modern, I love that @gregjames is making it his own. You're doing a fantastic job. @gregjames @R1Breakfast @BBCR1 #R1BreakfastWithGreg,” said somebody else.

James joked with his 1.5million followers this morning that he “hadn’t missed his alarm”, later saying that his new role was “even more fun that he thought it would be”.

BBC Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James airs Monday-Thursday from 6.30am.

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