Jamie Laing admits he has been ‘grinding for eight years’ to get new Radio 1 gig as he defends himself amid backlash: ‘I’m not just a posh idiot!’

Jamie Laing has admitted he has been ‘grinding for eight years’ to get a slot on Radio 1 after furious listeners slammed his new role.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, hit back at trolls and defended himself amid the backlash, claiming he put in a lot of work to get the gig.

Jamie is replacing Jordan North, 34, who quit the legendary Going Home show after a decade on on the BBC station, from March 4.

Speaking out on the hate, Jamie touched on the misconception that he just ‘swanned into the role’ and said he ‘had to earn his colours’ to earn the job.

During an interview with the Sunday Times, he said: ‘I’ve been trying to get this job for eight years, constantly grinding, constantly asking to do little slots.

‘No one is given a job here because their mum or dad helped them into it. You have to earn your colours.’

‘I suppose what people see now is that I’m maybe not just a posh idiot. After years of doing podcasting, the audience went, “Oh, hang on, we trust this person”.’

Jamie also said that the hate and doubt he receives from people, pushes him to go further and ‘lights a flame within him.’

Jamie will appear Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm to 6pm – next to radio co-host Vick Hope.

Fans were left dismayed over the news, with one fuming listener writing on Twitter: ‘Ffs radio 1 has turned into the posh boys club’. 

Undeterred by the backlash, Jamie addressed his new role in an Instagram post at the time, writing that it felt ‘unreal’ to be joining the Radio 1 family. 

He penned: ‘Guys, firstly I’m beyond excited to be joining the amazing Vick Hope on BBC Radio 1’s drivetime show. 

‘Jordan North is a complete pro/legend, he’s left some really big shoes to fill so I’m going to do my absolute best to do him and the show justice, and to be working alongside the insane Vick Hope is amazing. 

‘I’ve always loved music and radio and grew up a Radio 1 fan, so to be joining the BBC Radio 1 family officially feels unreal. 

Lot’s of you may know I’m  never happier than when in front of the 1 mic, chatting to people, sharing stories, having fun and to continue that on drive time is going to be wild in the best way. 

I will pour everything I have into making it the best show I possibly can for the listeners who love it so much. now, let’s go!! Radio 1 baby! Jamie x.’ 

Jamie is a broadcaster and producer who currently co-hosts the hugely successful Radio 1 podcast 6 Degrees from Jamie and Spencer.

He can also be heard on the popular podcast NewlyWeds which he presents alongside his wife Sophie Habboo. 

The personality tied the knot on April, 14, 2023 in London before they headed to Marbella for a second wedding in front of friends and family on May, 20, 2023.

On the appointment, Jamie said in a press release: ‘I’ve loved every minute that I’ve been on air with Radio 1 in recent years, so to be joining Vick on Drivetime is just incredible. 

‘To be working with Vick is an absolute dream so I’m beyond excited to get started and keep listeners company on their journeys home.’

Show bosses penned: ‘Radio 1 will be saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration’.

But fans weren’t pleased, sharing: ‘Oh yes the famous expert in music… why don’t you have people who actually know about music, absolutely ridiculous… 

‘Won’t be listening to that anymore then another pointless celebrity on either radio or tv why is there such an obsession with all these talentless made in people’. 

Radio 1 will be saying goodbye to Jordan, who has been heard on Radio 1 for the last 10 years with his first major show being Radio 1’s Greatest Hits on Sundays.

He was announced as a co-host on the BBC Radio 1 daily drivetime show in 2021, alongside Vick.

In 2020, the presenter finished second in the 20th series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, before he completed an epic 100-mile rowing challenge from London to Burnley for Comic Relief in March 2022. 

Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones said: ‘Jordan has enjoyed huge support from the station and listeners, developing his talent to host multiple shows across the network.

He has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration for younger presenters. 

‘Jordan has been an amazing presenter and a valued colleague at Radio 1, and I’m so proud of his journey with us. 

‘He has always connected with the Radio 1 audience through his shows and projects, as witnessed by the huge amount of money raised for Comic Relief during his rowing trip from London to Burnley.’

He added: ‘I’m so excited to officially welcome Jamie to the Radio 1 family. From his hugely popular BBC podcast to his appearances on the network, our young audiences have loved him. 

‘His infectious energy and love for music and culture will bring an exciting new element to Drivetime, I can’t wait for people to hear all of the exciting new ideas Vick and Jamie have lined up.’