GK Barry's first BBC Radio 1 show disappoints listeners as they say pre-recorded programme should not have replaced Matt and Mollie

GK Barry's BBC Radio 1 debut has been panned by listeners who have claimed her pre-recorded show should not have replaced Mollie King and Matt Edmondson.The social media influencer, 27, has been handed a two-hour BBC Radio 1 slot starting every Thursday at 1pm, replacing Mollie and Matt's usual live programme.GK – whose real name is Grace Eleanor Keeling – has previously acted as a relief presenter for the station in the last year and, while she has little live radio experience, her podcast Saving Grace is a massive hit.However, critics have argued since the announcement that GK's success as a podcast host doesn't necessarily mean she has the skills for radio.The GK Barry Show on BBC Radio 1 is apparently pre-recorded primarily to prevent accidental swearing live on air and to accommodate her busy schedule.After tuning into her first show when it aired on Thursday, listeners shared their opinions across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). GK Barry's BBC Radio 1 debut has been panned by listeners who have claimed her pre-recorded show should not have replaced Mollie King and Matt Edmondson The social media influencer, 27, has been handed a two-hour BBC Radio 1 slot starting every Thursday at 1pm, replacing Mollie and Matt's usual live programmeThey said: 'Why is she pre-recording it? No show in the daytime should be anything but live'; 'Justice for Matt and Mollie. We want them back on Thursdays'; 'Already had enough'; 'As soon as she said her first word the radio went off'; 'No chance of that happening anyway since it's pre-recorded which is madness';'She has such a droning voice. Poor Matt and Mollie who are great reduced to a three day week to accommodate her'; 'I fear R1s demise... although I'm not the demographic for this station, if it wasn't for Greg/Jack/Pete Tony/ Matt it would be a rubbish listen';'Her show isn't even live... it's pre-recorded!'; 'Why on earth have you reduced Matt and Mollie down to a three day show for this? Literally the only show on weekdays worth listening to besides Greg. You couldn't find another place to slot in Little Miss Podcast?'.One person questioned why people were 'so sentimental' about radio, but others quickly fired back about how important certain shows can be. They said: 'Maybe because it plays a big part in their daily routine? I'd switch to Capital if they didn't have ad breaks. And Radio 2 isn't the same vibe'; 'What a weird and outrageous thing to say! Because it's a huge part of many people's lives day in and day out. That's why. People may not want another station.'People like BBC cos they don't have annoying adverts every two minutes. Radio 1 is hanging by a thread. Greg single-handledy holding it together'; 'Is that because she's pre-recorded and not live like every other daytime DJ?'; 'Be better off without her on Radio 1';'You wonder why people switch over to BBC Radio 2'; 'I'm so close to not listening anymore, I've listened to Radio 1 since I was 16 in my first ever job in 1986 and at 57 this weekend I think that it's just tripe now, the only show worth anything is Greg James I was going to wait til he retires but with Jeremiah and this absolute nonsense I really think I'm done. Signing out'.A few people did defend GK, saying: 'All these negative comments if you don't like GK turn over, simple. I think she's doing well, her mum's laugh is contagious and Ella did well not to swear'; 'Love this new addition... love you GKB.' After tuning into her first show when it aired on Thursday, listeners shared their opinions across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) A few people did defend GK, saying: 'All these negative comments if you don't like GK turn over, simple. I think she's doing well, her mum's laugh is contagious and Ella did well not to swear'; 'Love this new addition... love you GKB'Previously, the Loose Women panellist said of the gig: 'I am really excited to be back hosting a series of my own BBC Radio 1 shows from this September.'You'll be hearing my favourite songs, we'll be speaking with some really exciting guests and, as always, in true GK Barry style, I promise a lot of humour, chaos and embarrassing stories along the way!'Earlier this week, Radio 1 star Nat O'Leary bid an emotional goodbye to her show after five years on air as part of the shake-up which includes replacing established broadcasters with influencers.Six stars of the radio station were axed in July - including Dean McCullough and Melvin Odoom - clearing the way for new talent as bosses seek to refresh the show. Nat said farewell to the station for the last time, confirming on Instagram her last show would be Saturday at 10.30am. In a picture taken in an airport, the radio star wrote: 'After 5 amazing years at @bbcradio1, I'm leaving. 'To those of you who have listened, messaged in and supported me along the way, thank YOU. My dream came true through this 'job' and I'll be eternally grateful for all the memories. Can't wait to show you what's coming next x.'She also posted a series of videos and pictures to her Instagram story documenting her final day on air, featuring co-presenter Vicky Hawkesworth, 30, and producer Luciano Domenico.She then thanked fans for 'everything' including their 'lovely messages,' before signing off: 'I've had the time of my life on Radio 1.' Earlier this week, Radio 1 star Nat O'Leary bid an emotional goodbye to her show after five years on air as part of the shake-up which includes replacing established broadcasters with influecers Internet personality, podcaster and I'm A Celeb star GK Barry will present a series of Radio 1 programmes during the year, beginning with a six-week run from September 10 at 1pmNat permanently joined BBC Radio 1 in July 2022, following a stint doing cover work and featuring on the station's Christmas Presenter Scheme in late 2021. Her exit came as presenters like Swarzy, Rickie Haywood-Williams and James Cusack also depart from the show - with I'm A Celebrity star GK and influencer Charley Marlowe among their replacements.Plans have also been made for a series of new shows and reshuffles in hosting. Influencer Charley Marlowe – who narrated the BBC Three dating series I Kissed A Girl and had a stint presenting Radio 1's early breakfast show – has also landed a role presenting on the show.She will join Vicky Hawkesworth between 10.30am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday.Axed presenter Dean McCullough, 34, was pictured smiling recently as he left work at the radio station for the final time, after claiming he had 'sacrificed his public views and a part of his voice' for his BBC career.He began his tenure at Radio 1 six years ago as a stand-in presenter before landing the mid-morning weekend slot, followed by Scott Mills's former Afternoon Show in 2022, and then Early Breakfast in 2024. Taking to his Instagram on the eve of his final show, the former Early Breakfast host admitted he struggled to comply with the BBC's strict impartiality guidelines after years of being opinionated as an 'out and proud as a gay man' in his former role on LGBTQ+ station Gaydio. Alongside a video montage and voiceover from his penultimate show, Dean spoke out after six years on the BBC, noting that it's 'not been easy' and that he's had to advocate for his community 'in the shadows'. Content creator Charley Marlowe – who narrated the BBC Three dating series I Kissed A Girl – has also been appointed to the BBC Radio 1 team Station boss Aled Haydn Jones (pictured with Mollie King and Matt Edmondson, right) is said to believe bringing in content creators will mean more listeners and more engagementDean wrote: 'I wanted to speak openly about my feelings of arriving at BBC Radio 1 6 years ago already broadcasting as an out and proud as a gay man.'I'd spent 3 and a half years at LGBTQ+ station Gaydio being outspoken and opinionated on air. Moving to the BBC meant sacrificing my public views and in turn, a part of my voice. It's not been easy and I've had to do a lot of my advocacy in the shadows.'But this chapter has been full of learnings and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to my listeners and producers, the people that matter, for just allowing me to be me. You've no idea how much that means to me and for other queer people in this space.'He continued: 'And look, it's not my story to 'fit in' and 'be everyone's cup of tea' that's extremely boring to me. If I've learnt anything in my 16 years of being a presenter it's 'speak from your heart and the right people will hear you'.Award-winning duo Mylo & Rosie will take over Mr McCullough's slot, following a 10-year stint at Hits Radio West Yorkshire where they won multiple ARIAs.Meanwhile, James Cusack's Weekend Breakfast will now be hosted by Emil Franchi, 33, from Durham, who broke into the industry through university radio.Charlie Hedges will continue fronting the popular Live Lounge but will be joined by Jeremiah Asiamah, who replaces Melvin Odoom, 46, and Rickie Haywood-Williams, who joined in 2019. Asiamah, 28, is known for his high-energy music sets and last year appeared at Glastonbury. Early Breakfast host Dean McCullough was one of six DJ's to lose their jobs in the huge BBC schedule shakeup