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Charlie Sloth to leave BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra after nearly 10 years

BBC Drake and Charlie SlothBBC

Charlie Sloth is leaving BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra after 10 years.

The DJ made the surprise announcement on air on Wednesday night, and is expected to follow in Zane Lowe's footsteps and host a show on Apple Music's Beats 1.

He currently presents The 8th and The Rap Show for the BBC networks and previously hosted 1Xtra's 4-7pm show.

His hugely popular Fire In The Booth series has seen appearances from Stormzy, Drake, Big Shaq and many more.

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Announcing his decision Charlie said: "After almost 10 years of dedicating my life to BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra and achieving everything I set out to, I have decided the time has come to leave the BBC and seek a new challenge.

"I want to thank everybody who has listened to me over the years and supported me in everything I have done.

"I love you and the journey continues."

Charlie has presented The 8th and the Rap show on the stations for less than a year.

As well as the radio he's widely credited with helping to kickstart the careers of grime artists including Skepta and Bugzy Malone.

The DJ brought some big names to his iconic Fire In The Booth sessions - including Drizzy back in July.

The rapper's appearance - which was recorded at 2:30am - was "four or five years" in the making, Charlie told Newsbeat at the time.

Warning: Drake's full Fire In The Booth contains some strong language that you may find offensive.

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Several DJs, presenters and fans paid tribute to Charlie after he announced he was leaving.

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His departure comes weeks after DJ Semtex announced that he was leaving 1Xtra after 15 years working for the station. He's now working for Spotify and commercial hip hop radio station Capital XTRA.

Ben Cooper, controller of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra said: "Thank you to Charlie for being an important part of Radio 1 and 1Xtra's history.

"For nearly 10 years his passion and energy for his music and his shows has been second to none."

The networks say new presenters will be announced for both shows in coming weeks.

Charlie's last show for the BBC will air on November 3.

Charlie formed a 'bromance' with BBC News presenter Huw Edwards.
Charlie formed a 'bromance' with BBC News presenter Huw Edwards

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