Radio 1’s newest star hits back at criticism after he was accused of ‘swanning in’ to BBC top job

TV reality star Jamie Laing has responded to criticism after he was accused of ‘swanning in’ to the top BBC job.

In February, it was announced that the 35-year-old would be replacing Jordan North following his move to Capital FM’s Breakfast Show.

The former Made in Chelsea star would go on to host BBC Radio 1’s drivetime slot, Going Home, alongside Katie Thistleton and Vick Hope.

Listeners of the show were not happy about Jamie’s new position, taking to social media to accuse the reality star of “swanning in”, while also claiming that the station had now “turned into the posh boys club”.

Fans of the radio show even went as far to insist that they would stop listening and boycott the broadcaster altogether when Jamie joined. 

The TV star took to ITV's Good Morning Britain in an interview to respond to the backlash he faced, stating that he had been trying to land a job at the station for eight years.

Speaking with GMB presenters Rob Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins, he said: "I was doing Made in Chelsea back in the day and then people sort of think maybe I got to do Radio 1 because I was on a reality show.

"And I would probably think that's unfair, right, I suppose for me, I've been trying to work towards that for eight years, doing little trials. 

“Doing a stint when Mollie King, lovely Mollie King was on maternity leave. And they finally sort of offered me the job, hopefully, I'm doing an ok job, I think."

Rob chipped in: “The reaction has been great, the answer is it might get you into the door to be a little well known but it doesn't get you to stay there."

"Oh, it doesn't," Jamie replied.

, Jamie said it was wrong for people to think that he "just swanned in".

He told the publication: “No one is given a job here because their mum or dad helped them into it. You have to earn your colours.”

Jamie is a descendant of the wealthy Sir Alexander Grant, 1st Baronet, who was the creator of McVitie’s digestive biscuit. 

In 2012, the TV star founded a vegan confectionery company called Candy Kittens.

He made his TV debut on the hit E4 show Made In Chelsea back in 2011, and also starred on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 - quickly becoming a fan favourite.