MELKSHAM pro-skate- boarder, James Threlfall MBE, has been selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – broadcasting to the nation on the UK’s biggest youth radio station, BBC Radio 1.
James, who has been a presenter on BBC local radio since 2019, is one of 30 new and emerging DJs and presenters, selected from thousands of applicants, to be part of BBC Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover from Boxing Day through to New Year’s Day.
He will be presenting Radio 1’s Dance Anthems on New Year’s Day from 4pm to 7pm.
“I’ve always dreamed of making it to BBC Radio 1,” James told Melksham News, “so it honestly feels crazy to finally be presenting a show on the station!
“I’ve worked really hard to make this happen, so I’m looking forward to getting in there and enjoying every minute of it. I’m covering Dance Anthems, a show that I love.
“The legend Charlie Hedges [who normally presents the show] and I have already been chatting. She’s been giving me some great advice and has been really supportive, which has been really nice. I can’t wait to get going now really!”
Since 2019 James has presented on BBC local radio in the west of England, in 2020 he became the presenter of BBC Music Introducing in the West, and in 2021, he was a finalist for Best Newcomer at the BBC’s Frank Gillard Awards.
He’s also hosted podcasts, documentaries, social content and more for BBC Sport, BBC Three and BBC Sounds. James’ passion and work in the area of young people and mental health, saw him receive an MBE from the Queen in 2019, aged 25. He is well known in Melksham for his campaigning and fundraising to improve the skatepark in King George V Park.
Radio 1’s Christmas Takeover initiative provides a valuable springboard for emerging presenters working to carve out careers in national radio, with many of the guest presenters going on to achieve major successes across the industry.
