BBC legend announces break from 6 Music as their replacement is revealed

BBC RADIO 6's Lauren Laverne is stepping down from the Music Breakfast Show after six years - with her replacement and the exciting new radio schedule unveiled.

Taking to social media today, the iconic radio star, 46, shared that she will be stepping down from hosting the daily Music Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 6, with her replacement revealed.

Lauren, who got the all-clear last November after a cancer diagnosis earlier in the year, also appeared on the breakfast show today (January 9), when Nick Grimshaw was hosting her slot.

While chatting to Grimmy, she said: "It's wonderful to be here, good to be back. I'm doing really, really well, it's been a tricky time, and I've missed everybody so much."

The radio legend, who was last on air in August 2024, spoke of her cancer diagnosis and thanked listeners for their support.

"I'd had my cancer diagnosis, I knew that I was going to be having an operation sort of imminently and to walk out of the studio door and then come back in four months later, healthy (and) still obviously recovering," she said, clearly chuffed to be back.

"And anyone who's been through cancer knows it takes quite a long time to fully get back to where you were, but it's very exciting to be back and to be here," she added.

She then thanked Nick for stepping in and covering for her, before announcing that he would be the new permanent 6Music Breakfast Show host and then releasing a statement detailing the pending shakeup.

On Instagram she confirmed: "I will be moving to mid mornings and the wonderful @maryannehobbs_ will start a new show later this spring.

"These transitions are always more emotional than you’d imagine they might be, and for me that is very much about the incredible team in pic 2 - who made it such a joy to host the breakfast show every day for the past six years."

She added: "It’s been a time of momentous change for me personally and we all went through a pandemic, during which we were on air for 4h every weekday.

EMOTIONAL STATEMENT FROM LAUREN

"I can honestly say that no matter what life was throwing at us, it was truly a pleasure to go to work every single day."

Later on in the caption, she added how she'd miss the team before noting: "I hope we made your mornings brighter and set you up for the day and I know Nick will continue doing that.

"As for mid-mornings, I can’t wait to get started.

"Thank you for all the kind messages of encouragement and support today, and for listening to our station. We’re all so lucky and proud to be part of it."

Myleene Klass congratulated the BBC legend, writing: "Wild times ahead Lala. Looking forward to staying up past 10pm with you. Well done my love x."

Davina McCall also joined in with the celebratory comments, penning: "Huge congrats on everything @laurenlaverne .. love all the way."

FAN REACTION TO SHAKE UP

"This is THE BEST news," gushed one fan, "Grimmy is like a comfortable pair of shoes (in the nicest way!).

"We have enjoyed hearing his cheerful tones on the school run in the mornings during your absence but we are SO happy to hear you will be returning too, you’ve been much missed!"

While a second fan wrote: "Just the best news Lauren. Cannae wait to hear you back behind the decks."

And a third said: "Nick Grimshaw has been an absolute tonic in the mornings while you've been away. Sounds like a good positive change for all."

Samantha Moy, Head of BBC Radio 6 Music says of Lauren's return and the pending shakeup: "It really is wonderful news that Lauren is feeling better and is ready to return to 6 Music.

"Like our listeners, we have missed her enormously and we can’t wait to have her back on air."

Nick and Lauren’s new programmes will begin in February.

Nemone will present the Breakfast Show in the interim, from January, Monday 13.

And Mary Anne Hobbs will also return to the airwaves later in the spring with a new show.