Nick Grimshaw is returning to national BBC radio breakfast on a permanent basis as he takes over from Lauren Laverne on the 6 Music Breakfast Show.
Lauren has decided to step down after six years of presenting the programme, with the former Radio 1 breakfast show host set to start in February.
On the show this morning, which Nick has been covering since August 2024, Lauren also announced that she would be returning to mid-mornings, presenting a new weekday programme, which will feature Lauren’s regular features including Desert Island Disco and People’s Playlist, as well as live sessions.
Lauren has been off-air to have treatment for cancer, and was given the “all clear” in November.
Mary Anne Hobbs will be taking a sabbatical and will return to 6 Music later in the spring with a new show.
Nick and Lauren’s new programmes will begin in February. Nemone will present the Breakfast Show in the interim, from Monday 13th January.
Lauren says: “As listeners will know, I had a really tough 2024 and worried at times that I wouldn’t be able to return to the station I love so much. It has been a huge honour (and so much fun) to host the Breakfast Show for six wonderful years, but it is time to pass the baton on, and to set my alarm a little later. During my recovery I learned all over again about the power of music, the people you surround yourself with and the emotional support and joy radio can provide. I’m so grateful to be able to get back to doing what I love and sharing those things with our brilliant listeners every day.”
Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music says: “It really is wonderful news that Lauren is feeling better and is ready to return to 6 Music. Like our listeners, we have missed her enormously and we can’t wait to have her back on air.”
Nick says: “I’ve had the greatest four months covering for Lauren and I can’t wait to continue waking you up on 6 Music. I want to say thank you to the listeners who’ve made me feel so welcome over the past few months and to Lauren’s fantastic team who have been imperative in making me so happy on air. 6 Music is a precious place, a station I love, I’m honestly honoured to be asked to work there and can’t wait to continue supplying the best new music from the world’s most interesting artists.”
Samantha Moy says: “Since the summertime, Nick has hosted our Breakfast show and it’s been clear how much our listeners have taken him into their homes and hearts. He is one of the finest broadcasters of his generation and we are thrilled that he is going to become the brand new presenter of the 6 Music Breakfast show.”
Mary Anne says: “My agenda has been to change daytime radio at 6 Music. It was David Bowie who taught me that creative life is progression. Once the work is complete… stand at the edge of everything you know and ask a different question.
“I’d like to thank every artist whose music and ideas have illuminated the show. I’d like to thank my production team, my Queens, Jax Coombes and Zoe Mullord. And of course, I want to send boundless love to my listeners, my family, thank you for sharing your invaluable time with me, it’s been a joy and a privilege to live with you. My daytime show will end in February, and I’ll return to 6 Music later this spring with something new… come with me.”
Samantha Moy says: “Mary Anne is the very best of us at 6 Music. As well as a DJ, she is a lover of art, the seeker of unheard sounds, fierce advocate, generous mentor and true friend. Mary Anne is a sheer force of nature, compelled to share her passion for music – in all of its forms – with the world. At 6 Music we are richer for it and we look forward to our wild horse’s return later this year.”
