TV & Radio Production graduate lands top presenting job at BBC Radio 1

It will be the first weekday programme to move out of London and broadcast from Salford as part of the BBC’s ‘Across The UK’ plans, announced by the Director General in 2021.

The duo will be taking over from Scott Mills and Chris Stark who recently announced their departure from Radio 1.

Vicky was given her first opportunity to host on the station during the 2020 festive period as part of Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover - an initiative which provides a valuable springboard for emerging presenters, giving them a once in a lifetime opportunity to broadcast on the UK’s biggest youth radio station.

Bolton born Vicky, currently presents regular shows on BBC Radio Manchester and GAYDIO and has covered a range of shows across Radio 1. She most recently hosted the BBC iPlayer coverage of Radio 1’s Big Weekend 2022 in Coventry as well as Radio 1’s coverage of the Platinum Jubilee Concert.

On her appointment, Vicky said: “It feels unbelievable to be honest. It's a hard feeling to put into words and for a few days I only communicated the joy of it through excited squeals! I'm so happy that I'm being given this opportunity and so excited to get started and make some radio!

“Before studying at Salford I had no practical radio skills, I'd never driven a desk, I hadn't edited any audio or been out and recorded and the course taught me how to do all of those things and so much more. I had a brilliant radio studio tutor called Gary and he was the best we could have asked for. He allowed us to learn and grow and taught us how to take our creative ideas and turn them into something real. I had so much fun creating radio during my time at Salford because it really felt like there was no boundaries on what you could create!" 

When asked for advice for future students, Vicky added: “I believe everyone's journey is different and so you should always follow your gut and do what you feel is right! If you do choose to study TV and Radio at Salford, I think you're making a great choice, because you're right there in the heart of MediaCity with amazing equipment to practice on and brilliant tutors to guide you, plus you'll have a lot of fun creating the radio or TV that you want to create. 

“If you do want to present, my advice to you would be keep going, it's a tough industry and people will be quick to reject you and give you feedback on how to improve but don't let it discourage you.

“Learn from it, be yourself and keep trying because you don't know when your big break will come but one thing I've learnt is that it's an unpredictable industry, so one day, one job can change everything. Also remember to have fun! This is a fun job and sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the pressure of it. Sit back relax and enjoy it!”

BA (Hons) TV and Radio Production Lecturer, Dr Gary Morrisroe, said: “I am delighted to hear that Vicky will be taking over the Scott Mills afternoon show on BBC Radio 1. I could not be prouder of her. Working at Radio 1 in any capacity is a golden prize for any young radio practitioner but to scoop a daytime presenting slot at one of the world's biggest radio stations is the stuff of dreams.   

“Back in Dec 2020 when she secured a one-off slot as part of Radio 1's Xmas Takeover it was pretty clear she was a perfect fit for the station - upbeat, witty and completely at ease communicating directly to a national audience - and since then she has gone from strength to strength with frequent ad-hoc slots on Radio 1 and a regular presenting role at BBC Manchester. 

“Vicky was an excellent student on BA TV and Radio Production, she was always a pleasure to have in class; professional, inventive and dedicated to radio, to see her achieve this is just fantastic. She was also one of the nicest people you could wish to meet, which shows you can still be nice and make it to the top!"  

TV and Radio Production Programme Leader, Lyndon Saunders, said: “We are over the moon for Vicky! Radio 1 DJ - what a buzz! We can’t wait to tune in every day. Radio production on our Salford course continues to go from strength to strength. Lecturers Gary, Jimmy and Adam and technicians Rik and John are passionate experts in their field, teaching and nurturing our future stars of radio, both on and off the mic."

You can listen to Vicky and Dean on their brand-new show from Monday 5 September 2022.