Jamie Laing responds to new BBC Radio 1 slot backlash: “I’m not just some posh idiot”
nme.comBBC Radio 1, claiming that he is “not just some posh idiot”.The former Made In Chelsea star, who has since turned into a podcaster, was announced as the new host of the BBC Drivetime show last month, replacing Jordan North.North had been with the radio station for a decade and recently moved over to Capital FM – taking over from Roman Kemp, who had hosted the station’s Breakfast show for seven years.However, upon being announced as the new presenter of the 3.30pm to 6pm, Monday to Thursday slot, Laing faced backlash from across social media, with many accusing him of not being deserving of the role and only famous as a reality star, rather than as a DJ.Now, he has spoken out against the criticism and told listeners it is a “misconception” that he only got the role because of his time on reality television.“[It is a] misconception that I just swanned in here,” he told the Sunday Times in a new interview (via Standard). “I’ve been trying to get this job for eight years, constantly grinding, constantly asking to do little slots.“No one is given a job here because their mum or dad helped them into it.
You have to earn your colours.”Laing is a descendant of Sir Alexander Grant, 1st Baronet, who was the creator of the McVitie’s digestive biscuit.
In his time away from the E4 series, he has been presenting the NewlyWeds podcast with his wife Sophie Habboo, and co-hosting BBC’s 6 Degrees From Jamie And Spencer, with Spencer Matthews.
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