Radio 1 is gearing up for its festive takeover, and as always the Christmas period brings a mix of regular shows, stand-ins, and one-off specials. The BBC hasn’t formally confirmed the full holiday schedule yet, but here’s the most up-to-date picture based on what we know so far. As ever, all details are subject to change.
📅 22–24 December
6am–10am — Radio 1 Breakfast with Sam & Danni
10am–2pm — Radio 1’s Group Chat with Nat & Vicky
2pm–6pm — Going Home with James Cusack
Evenings vary by day:
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22 December (Mon): New Music Show with Jack (6pm–10pm)
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23 December (Tue): Future Artists with Sian Eleri (6pm–10pm)
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24 December (Wed): Future Pop with Mollie King (6pm–10pm)
Additional notes for 21–23 December
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21 December:
• Callum Leslie sits in for Shanequa Paris with Lauren
• CassKidd covers Sian on The Chilliest Show -
22–23 December:
• On 22 December, Future Sounds becomes a special four-hour show, with no Future Artists
• On 23 December, Future Artists runs 6pm–10pm, with no Future Sounds
🎄 Christmas Day – 25 December
8am–11am — Radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James
11am–6pm — Christmas On Radio 1
6pm–10pm — Christmas On Radio 1: Night-Time Takeover
Evening DJ specials will populate the later slot.
🥊 Boxing Day – 26 December
7am–11am — Weekend Breakfast with Ore Olukoga
11am–2pm — Group Chat with Nat & Minah
2pm–6pm — Chart of the Year with Dan Draper
From 6pm onwards — Normal Friday schedule resumes
📻 27 December
6am — Chillout Anthems
7am — Weekend Breakfast with Joel Mitchell
10am — Group Chat with Nat & Minah
1pm — Dan Draper
4pm — Dance Anthems with Connor Coates
📻 28 December
6am — Chillout Anthems
7am — Weekend Breakfast with Joel Mitchell
10am — Group Chat with Nat & Minah
1pm — Dan Draper
4pm — Life Hacks / Chart First Look with Lauren & Shanequa
📅 29–30 December
6am — Mylo & Rosie
10am — Ore & Swarzy
2pm — Emil & Lauren R
🎉 New Year’s Eve – 31 December
6am — Mylo & Rosie
10am — Ore & Swarzy
2pm — Party Starters with Emil & Lauren L
6pm — Party Starters with James Cusack
10pm — Party Starters with Connor Coates
🎆 New Year’s Day – 1 January
6am — Mylo & Rosie
10am — Ore & Lauren L
2pm — Emil & Lauren R
6pm — BBC Sound Of 2026
8pm — Jade at BBC Proms
9pm — Powerdown Playlist with Sian Eleri
🎧 2 January
6am — Mylo & Rosie
10am — Nat & Vicky
2pm — Sam & Danni (including the Chart at 4pm)
6pm — Jaguar
8pm — Martha
📡 Radio 1 Anthems Schedule Changes
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From 11 December at 12pm, Radio 1 Anthems moves to full Christmas Anthems, starting later than last year.
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From 26 December, the station will run Radio 1 Anthems by year, kicking off at midnight with 2006 anthems.
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