Jordan North breaks his silence after quitting Radio 1 with tribute to co-stars and promises fans he’ll be ‘back soon’

JORDAN North has broken his silence after his shock departure from Radio 1.

The popular DJ has been replaced as Vick Hope's drivetime show partner by Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing after leaving for a rival station.

Addressing his exit on Instagram, Jordan said: "I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues / talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you’ve all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot.

"To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I’ve loved working with you it’s been an absolute blast! Big love to Katie Thisleton, Greg James, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin & Charlie, Dean & Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt & Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick Hope…I’ll miss being on air with you every day.

"MOST IMPORTANTLY the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words & messages have been so lovely, THANK YOU SO MUCH."

He concluded: "I’ll be back soon, and can’t wait to see you all again."

Insiders told The Sun how Jordan informed his bosses of his decision recently, with the Beeb upset at him leaving.

And fans aren't happy either, with some branding the station a "sinking ship".

A source said: “Jordan is moving to Capital FM to replace Roman and he could not be more excited.

“It is absolutely huge for him and although it’s hard to leave the BBC he is excited to get started on Capital.

“Jordan’s decision has been a hard pill to swallow for the BBC but there was nothing they could do to change his mind."

A statement released by the BBC said: "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 for younger presenters.

"Thank you for everything."

The 34-year-old has been on Radio 1 for the past 10 years.

The I'm A Celeb finalist's first major show was Greatest Hits on Sundays.

Jordan joined the Radio 1 drivetime show alongside Vick Hope in 2021.

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

"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 is set to be replaced by Jamie Laing after a decade on the BBC.

Jamie shot to fame in 2011 when he joined E4's Made In Chelsea.

The reality TV legend, 35, is going to co-host the Going Home show Monday to Thursday from Monday 4 March.

Speaking ahead of his new venture with the Beeb, Jamie said: “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.”

The Sun On Sunday first revealed how Roman was stepping down from his role in October.

A telly source said: “Roman has loved his time at Capital FM and it has been a huge learning curve for him over the years.

“But he feels now is the right time to pass the baton on to someone else. He’s got several big TV opportunities on the table and thinks the natural next step is to focus on those.”

Jordan has worked with the likes of Preston FM, Capital Manchester, ROCK FM, and Radio 1.

The star also took part in I'm A Celeb in 2020.