Axed Radio 1 star Dean McCullough put on a big smile as he left work at the radio station for the final time on Thursday after claiming he had ‘sacrificed his public views and part of his voice’ for his BBC career.
Early Breakfast presenter Dean McCullough, 34, was one of six DJs to lose their jobs in a huge shake-up to the BBC’s schedule, which will see social media influencers and new talent brought in as replacements.
And as he left the Radio 1 studios after his final show, Dean put on a brave face as he emerged, clutching his farewell presents and flowers.
Dressed in a black padded jacket, black and white Adidas joggers and pink trainers, the former I’m A Celebrity star appeared in good spirits despite his problems at work.
Taking to his Instagram on the eve of his final show, Dean admitted he was struggling to adhere to the BBC’s strict impartiality guidelines after years of being portrayed as “out and proud as a gay man” in his former role at LGBTQ+ broadcaster Gaydio.
Alongside a video montage and voiceover from his penultimate show, Dean spoke out after six years on the BBC, noting that it was ‘not easy’ and he had to advocate for his community ‘in the shadows’.
Axed Radio 1 star Dean McCullough smiled as he left work at the radio station for the final time on Thursday after claiming he had ‘sacrificed his public views and part of his voice’
Early Breakfast presenter Dean McCullough, 34, was one of six DJs to lose their jobs in a huge shake-up to the BBC’s schedule, which will see social media influencers deployed as replacements
Dean admitted he struggled to adhere to the BBC’s strict impartiality guidelines after years of being portrayed as an ‘out and proud gay man’ in his previous role on LGBTQ+ channel Gaydio
Dean wrote: ‘I wanted to speak openly about my feelings when I arrived at BBC Radio 1 six years ago, broadcasting as out and proud as a gay man.
‘I spent three and a half years at LGBTQ+ channel Gaydio, where I was outspoken and opinionated on air. Moving to the BBC meant sacrificing my public views and part of my voice. It hasn’t been easy and I’ve had to do a lot of my advocacy in the shadows.
“But this chapter was full of lessons and I wanted to take a moment to thank my listeners and producers, the people who matter, for just letting me be me. You have no idea how much that means to me and to other queer people in this space.”
The Northern Irish presenter continued: ‘And look, it’s not my story of ‘fitting in’ and ‘being everyone’s cup of tea’ that I find so incredibly boring. If I’ve learned anything in my 16 years as a presenter, it’s ‘speak from your heart and the right people will hear you’.
BBC employers must adhere to strict impartiality guidelines which state: ‘Presenters, reporters, correspondents and on-air editors are the public face and voice of the BBC; they can have a significant impact on the perception of whether there is appropriate impartiality.
‘The public expression by staff and presenters of their own personal reactions to a statement or issue – such as personal insult or outrage; or agreement or approval – could compromise the perception of the BBC’s impartiality and give the impression of bias.’
Meanwhile, Dean, who joined Radio 1 in 2020, reflected on his time on the station and admitted he was ‘nervous’ about being part of the show and ‘being himself’ as an ‘unapologetically gay man’.
He said: ‘Every time I arrived at Radio 1 I was really nervous, and maybe I’ll find a clip from my first show, but I was really nervous because I was used to being on an LGBTQ+ radio station. Gaydio is a very, very important radio station, and that’s where I cut my teeth,
‘And when I came to Radio 1 I thought, ‘Gosh, am I going to be able to be myself? Am I going to be able to be open and proud and unashamedly gay? Is that going to be for me, or are management going to tell me like, ‘Not too much’, and ‘Can you just change the way you speak a little bit?'”
Although he received some “horrific” comments online, overall he received support from his fans.
Dean reflected further on his time on the channel, admitting he was “nervous” about being part of the show and being “himself” as an “unapologetically gay man.”
In an Instagram post shared in July, the radio station announced that Dean, as well as fellow presenters including Rickie Haywood-Williams and Melvin Odoom [pictured] will leave their jobs
Internet personality, podcaster and I’m A Celeb star GK Barry will present a series of Radio 1 programs throughout the year, starting with a six-week run from September 10 at 1pm
He continued: ‘I’m very proud that my journey at Radio 1 has allowed me to be myself, so I just wanted to thank you for that and for allowing me to be myself.
“But I wanted to mark this moment and say to everyone, to everyone listening right now: please never dim your lights. Never change who you are to fit into a relationship, workplace, school or company. Just stay true to yourself because you will be happy with it.”
Dean’s post was met with an abundance of positive and supportive messages from his followers and showbiz friends.
In an Instagram post shared in July, the radio station announced that Dean, as well as fellow longtime hosts Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Nat O’Leary, James Cusack and Swarzy, would be leaving their shows.
The message added: ‘We thank them for their passion, creativity and dedication and wish them all the best for what comes next.’
Dean began his tenure at Radio 1 six years ago as a stand-in presenter before moving into mid-morning weekend roles, followed by Scott Mills’ former Afternoon Show in 2022 and then Early Breakfast in 2024.
He announced on Instagram on Wednesday: ‘This has been such a difficult decision for me but it’s time to spread my wings after the most incredible 6 years at Radio 1… It’s time for a change, I’m so ready for it and really excited for the future.’
Award-winning duo Mylo & Rosie will take over after a 10-year spell at Hits Radio West Yorkshire, where they won multiple ARIAs.
Meanwhile, Rickie, 46, and Melvin, 46, left Radio 1 after seven years and spent five years presenting the mid-morning Live Lounge slot with co-presenter Charlie Hedges.
Influencers GK Barry, 26, and Charley Marlowe, 26, have teamed up with popular presenter Emil Franchi to put on big shows on the channel.
Internet personality, podcaster and I’m A Celeb star GK will present a series of Radio 1 programs throughout the year, starting with a six-week broadcast from September 10 at 1pm.
Vicky Hawkesworth, 30, will be joined by influencer and presenter Charley from Friday to Sunday between 10.30am and 1pm, while Emil will become the new host of Weekend Breakfast.
Lauren Layfield, 28, will host The Official Chart: First Look from Birmingham every Sunday between 4pm and 7pm. It will be the first Radio 1 program of its kind to come live from the city.
On Sunday evening, Shanequa Paris and Oré Olukoga can be seen on Life Hacks, followed by Sian Eleri’s Chillest Show. Alyx Holcombe’s Indie Show moves to Tuesdays at 11 p.m.
The station’s new presenter showcase moves from early Friday breakfasts to weekend mornings between 6am and 7am.
