BBC Radio 1 brings back comedy after a decadeBBC Radio 1 is bringing back comedy after more than a decade, with a new roster of original comedy podcasts set to shake up the schedule. Vlogger and broadcaster Riyadh Khalaf (pictured right) alongside writer and ‘sexpert’ Alix Fox (left) are amongst the new names set to broadcast on the station in a series of uninhibited and bold podcasts, with the first episode available to download from Monday 5 February via the Radio 1 website and BBC iPlayer Radio app. BBC Radio 1’s commitment to comedy in its new late night slot follows a rich history of cult shows such as Blue Jam, Armando Iannucci, Lee and Herring’s Fist of Fun and The Mary Whitehouse Experience which included big names including David Baddiel, Chris Morris and Hugh Dennis. Ben Cooper, Controller, BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, says: “I grew up listening to Blue Jam and The Mary Whitehouse Experience on Radio 1 so it’s great to be able to give a new generation of young comedians an opportunity to make us laugh on a podcast from the BBC.” The specially curated podcasts will offer distinctive content for 16-34s across three separate series, where listeners can expect honest and unique - but mainly funny - content, such as: Comedy series 1: Ed and Lauren Get On (12 episodes) Every week they will tackle a new topic, from dating to class and terrible jobs. Join them as they explore the highs and deep, deep lows of becoming an adult. Lauren Pattison says: “I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to bring a fresh and fierce voice to Radio 1 alongside my soon-to-be-partner in crime Ed. It's a great chance for me to not only have some fun and maybe cause some light chaos, but to delve into some hot topics and burning issues in a way that's brutally honest, opinionated and most importantly from the perspective of a young working class scamp like myself.” Ed Night says: "I'm dead chuffed that Radio 1 have asked me to be involved with such an exciting, comedy-oriented project." Comedy series 2: Niki & Sammy’s Peachy Podcast (12 episodes) Unexpected Fluids (12 episodes) Hosts Alix Fox (sex writer, contributor on Modern Mann and Close Encounters) and vlogger and broadcaster Riyadh Khalaf (whose mum read his Grindr messages to his 340K+ Youtube subscribers) are known for honest, funny discussions across the spectrum of sex, gender and sexuality, making this uniquely engaging for young audiences exploring their own identity. Riyadh Khalaf says: “I’m super excited to work on a daring podcast with a team I’ve admired for years at BBC Radio 1. It’s going to be shocking, it’s going to be funny and you might just learn something by accident! Listening to it is going to be like talking to your best mate about awful, crazy, one night stands. I’m dying to get in studio with Alix - the two of us have become like a pair of oversharing siblings trying to out-shock each other. I can’t wait to dive deep into the wonderful wet world of unexpected fluids!” Alix Fox says: “I’m such a media dweeb and incredibly excited to be working for the Beeb. Having spoken about the squelchy, squirty, squidgy aspects of sex for over a decade and had the privilege and honour of hearing many people’s stories often for the first time, I’ve realised how important it is we have open honest conversations about sex, sexuality and relationships - although the media often talks about such things, in reality the approach they take vs the real life information, stories, revelations and often comical chats that people want to have are quite different things.” Comedy series 3: Ray Moss: No Stone Unturned (4 episodes) Ben Partridge says: "I'm delighted to be making this podcast with Radio 1. At this time when great uncertainty is all around, what the world needs is Ray Moss, a man who is physically unable to look at a stone without turning it over." The Comeback (6 episodes) Jen Wakefield says: “I think The Comeback will be like comedy therapy. Who doesn’t love a good story and a chance to get something off their chest? I think us Brits can often be guilty of not saying what we think or feel at crucial moments for fear of stirring things up, so I reckon there’ll be some fun, juicy and relatable material on the podcast. I’m buzzing for it!” Battle Acts (6 episodes) Clickipedia (6 episodes) Andy Field (6 episodes) Andy Field says: “If I hadn't once run up a down escalator, this would be the most exciting thing I have ever done. As it is, it's a very close second.” Birthday Girls House Party (6 episodes) Birthday Girls say: “We are absolutely delighted that Radio 1 have confirmed what we’ve always known: that our conversations deserve to be listened to by thousands of people. It’s gonna be prime 3am house party vibes and we’re already so excited and scared about how much we’re going to overshare.” Notes to Editors
January 25, 2018 7:30am ET by BBC Radio 1 |