BBC Radio 1 presenter Nat O'Leary has emotionally concluded her five-year tenure at the station, with her final show airing on Saturday. Her departure is part of a broader strategy by BBC bosses to refresh the programming by replacing established presenters with social media influencers.

O'Leary announced her exit on Instagram, thanking listeners for their support over the years and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. "My dream came true through this 'job' and I'll be eternally grateful for all the memories," she wrote. She shared her last day on air with co-presenter Vicky Hawkesworth and producer Luciano Domenico.

O'Leary joined BBC Radio 1 permanently in 2022, after earlier work covering shows and participating in the station's Christmas Presenter Scheme in late 2021. Her departure follows that of other presenters, including Dean McCullough and Melvin Odoom, who were among six hosts let go in July.

Influencers GK Barry, whose real name is Grace Eleanor Keeling, and Charley Marlowe are among those stepping into new roles. GK Barry, known for her popular podcast "Saving Grace," will host a two-hour weekday slot starting at 1 p.m. later this month. Marlowe, who narrated the BBC Three series "I Kissed A Girl," will co-host a weekend show with Vicky Hawkesworth.

Station controller Aled Haydn Jones reportedly believes that bringing in content creators will increase listener numbers and engagement.

Dean McCullough, who had been with Radio 1 for six years, commented on the challenges of adhering to the BBC's impartiality guidelines. In an Instagram post, he stated that moving to the BBC required him to "sacrific[e] my public views and in turn, a part of my voice," noting that he had to "do a lot of my advocacy in the shadows" after years of being outspoken at LGBTQ+ station Gaydio.

McCullough's former Early Breakfast slot will be taken over by award-winning duo Mylo & Rosie. James Cusack's Weekend Breakfast show will now be hosted by Emil Franchi. Charlie Hedges will continue to host the Live Lounge, joined by Jeremiah Asiamah, who replaces Melvin Odoom.

Melvin Odoom recently announced that he and his girlfriend Hannah Holland are expecting their first child.

Lauren Layfield will host The Official Chart: First Look from Birmingham on Sundays. New shows and reshuffles also include Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga on Life Hacks, Sian Eleri's Chillest Show, and Alyx Holcombe's Indie Show moving to Tuesdays.

The station's new presenter showcase will shift to weekend mornings.