Jamie Laing admits he has been ‘grinding for eight years’ to get new Radio 1 gig as he defends himself amid backlash: ‘I’m not just a posh idiot!’

Jamie Laing has admitted he has been ‘grinding for eight years’ to land a spot on Radio 1 after furious listeners slammed his new role.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, hit back at trolls and defended himself amid the backlash, claiming he had put in a lot of work to get the gig.

Jamie replaces 34-year-old Jordan North, who quit the legendary Going Home show on the BBC channel from March 4 after ten years.

Jamie spoke out about the hate, pointing out the misconception that he “just fell into the role” and said he had to “earn his colors” to earn the job.

During an interview with the Sunday Times, he said: ‘I’ve been trying to get this job for eight years, constantly grinding away, constantly asking to do little slots.

The former Made In Chelsea star hit back at trolls and defended himself amid the backlash, claiming he put in a lot of work to get the gig

‘No one gets a job here because their father or mother helped them. You have to earn your colors.”

“I think what people are seeing now is that maybe I’m not just a fancy idiot. After years of podcasting, audiences were like, “Oh, wait a minute, we trust this person.”‘

Jamie also said that the hatred and doubt he receives from people pushes him to move on and “lights a flame inside him.”

Jamie appears Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm to 6pm – alongside radio co-host Vick Hope.

Fans were left stunned by the news, with one furious listener writing on Twitter: ‘FFS radio 1 has turned into the posh boys’ club’.

Undeterred by the reactions, Jamie discussed his new role in an Instagram post at the time, writing that it felt ‘unreal’ to join the Radio 1 family.

He wrote: ‘Guys, firstly I’m extremely excited to be joining the wonderful Vick Hope on BBC Radio 1’s Drivetime show.

“Jordan North is a true pro/legend, he has some really big shoes to fill, so I’m going to do my very best to do him and the show justice, and to be working with the insane Vick Hope is amazing.

Jamie replaces Jordan North (pictured), 34, who quit the BBC’s legendary Going Home show after ten years, from March 4

Jamie spoke out about the hate, touching on the misconception that he “just fell into the role” and said he had to “earn his colors” to earn the job.

During an interview with the Sunday Times, he said: ‘I’ve been trying to get this job for eight years, constantly grinding, constantly asking to do little slots’

He added: “I guess what people see now is that maybe I’m not just a fancy idiot. After years of podcasting, audiences were like, “Oh, wait a minute, we trust this person”

‘I’ve always loved music and radio and grew up as a Radio 1 fan, so it officially feels surreal to be joining the BBC Radio 1 family.

Many of you may know that I am never happier than when I am in front of the 1 microphone, talking to people, sharing stories, having fun and to keep it going, that the ride time will be wild in the best way.

I will do everything I can to make it the best show possible for the listeners who love it so much. well, let’s go!! Radio 1 baby! Jamie x.”

Jamie is a broadcaster and producer who currently co-hosts Jamie and Spencer’s hugely successful Radio 1 podcast 6 Degrees.

He can also be heard on the popular podcast NewlyWeds, which he presents together with his wife Sophie Habboo.

The personality got married on April 14, 2023 in London before heading to Marbella for a second wedding in the presence of friends and family on May 20, 2023.

Speaking about the appointment, Jamie said in a press release: ‘I have loved every minute of broadcasting at Radio 1 over the last few years, so to join Vick on Drivetime is simply incredible.

“Working with Vick is an absolute dream, so I’m beyond excited to get started and keep listeners company on their journey home.”

Undeterred by the reactions, Jamie discussed his new role in an Instagram post, writing that it felt ‘unreal’ to join the Radio 1 family.

Show bosses wrote: ‘Radio 1 is saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments over the years and has been a constant source of inspiration.”

But fans weren’t happy, sharing: ‘Oh yeah, the famous expert in music… why don’t you have people who actually know about music, absolutely ridiculous…

‘I won’t listen to that anymore than another useless celebrity on radio or TV, why is there such an obsession with all these talentless people’.

Radio 1 is saying goodbye to Jordan, who has been on Radio 1 for ten years with his first major show being Radio 1’s Greatest Hits on Sundays.

He was announced as co-host of BBC Radio 1’s daily Drivetime show in 2021, alongside Vick.

In 2020, the presenter finished second in the 20th series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here, before completing an epic 100-mile rowing challenge from London to Burnley for Comic Relief in March 2022.

Head of Radio 1, Aled Haydn Jones, said: “Jordan has received huge support from the station and its listeners, developing his talent to host multiple shows across the network.

He has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments over the years and has been a constant source of inspiration for younger presenters.

Fans were left stunned by the news, with one furious listener writing on Twitter: ‘FFS radio 1 has turned into the posh boys’ club’

More devastation followed, with fans writing: ‘Oh yeah the famous expert in music…why don’t you have people who actually understand music, absolutely ridiculous’

In the original announcement post, bosses wrote: ‘Radio 1 is saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments over the years and has been a constant source of inspiration’

Jordan is pictured with his co-star Vick in October

“Jordan has been a great presenter and valued colleague at Radio 1, and I am so proud of his journey with us.

‘He has always connected with the Radio 1 audience through his shows and projects, as evidenced by the huge amount of money raised for Comic Relief during his row from London to Burnley.’

He added: “I am so excited to officially welcome Jamie to the Radio 1 family. From his hugely popular BBC podcast to his network appearances, our young audiences have loved him.

“His infectious energy and love for music and culture will add an exciting new element to Drivetime. I can’t wait for people to hear all the exciting new ideas that Vick and Jamie have put together.”