Dean McCullough and Rickie & Melvin axed from Radio 1 after six years - as influencers and I’m a Celebrity star step in09:49, 15 Jul 2026Updated 10:05, 15 Jul 2026Six Radio 1 stars have been axed from the station in a huge cull at the station‌Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Dean McCullough, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy have all been dropped in favour of fresh talent at the corporation.‌Announcing the news on Instagram, the station said: “We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the very best for whatever comes next.”‌Replacements include social media influencer turned Loose Women star GK Barry alongside TikTok stars Charley Marlowe and Mylo & Rosie, and Emil Franchi.Melvin and Rickie joined the station in 2019, switching from the hugely successful Kiss Breakfast Show alongside his co-presenter partners Charlie Hedges. The trio hosted the late-night slot from 9pm until 11pm, before switching to the mid-morning slot in 2021.While pals Melvin and Rickie have been given the axe, Charlie will stay on as the new host of Radio 1's Live Lounge alongside Jeremiah Asiamah.‌Fellow long-serving presenter Dean provided cover to some of the big stars at the station when he first joined in 2020 before landing Scott Mills’ former Afternoon Show in 2022. He has presented the early breakfast since 2024.Both Melvin and Dean appeared on I'm A Celebrity together in 2024. Melvin famously coined the nickname 'Houdini' for his co-worker after noticing him disappear every time chores needed to be doneIt's not the first time reality stars and influencers have been hired at Radio 1 towers. Jamie Laing and his wife Sophie Habboo were welcomed to the team to host the afternoon slot in May 2025.‌As the BBC published its annual report on Tuesday, it was revealed that the corporation's radio stars are among the highest earners. Greg James, Vernon Kay and Scott Mills also featured in the list.Mills was the top paid star between 2025, 2026, almost doubling his salary from the year before after taking over from Zoe Ball on the Radio 2 breakfast show. His role was short-lived however, with the Mirror revealing he had been axed after accusations of serious sexual offences emerged. Mills said he "fully co-operated" with investigations before they closed in 2019 after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.Highest earning presenters from 2025/2026Article continues below1 Scott Mills £745,000-£749,999 (up from £355,000-£359,999)2 Greg James £440,000-£444,999 (up from £425,000-£429,999)3 Stephen Nolan £425,000-£429,999 (up from £405,000-£409,999)4= Vernon Kay £405,000-£409,999 (up from £390,000-£394,999)4= Laura Kuenssberg £405,000-£409,999 (up from £395,000-£399,999)6 Alan Shearer £390,000-£394,999 (down from £440,000-£444,999)7 Justin Webb £375,000-£379,999 (up from £365,000-£369,999)8 Naga Munchetty £360,000-£364,999 (up from £355,000-£359,999)9 Fiona Bruce £345,000-£349,999 (down from £410,000-£414,999)10 Sophie Raworth £340,000-£344,999 (down from £350,000-£354,999)