Benji B takes over from MAH

BBC 1Xtra presenter Benji B has been chosen to fill the Mary Anne Hobbs shaped hole on Radio 1, it has been revealed today.

The Deviation man posted the news on his Twitter page, while Mary Anne posted a congratulatory note on her page.

He will now host the Thursday 2am-4am slot on the station, with his first show taking place on October 14. His final Radio 1Xtra show will be on Sunday, October 10.

A press release quoted Benji B as saying: “I’ve loved every minute of my eight years at 1Xtra and am delighted to be given this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to bring the essence of my Sunday night show and my loyal audience to my new Radio 1 programme.”

After 14 years at Radio 1 Hobbs has accepted a new job teaching and mentoring students at the University of Sheffield’s Union of Students, radio station, TV station and newspaper.

Hobbs championed the sound of dubstep and provided a vital platform for artists in that genre (and many others) to reach a wider audience.