Radio 1 DJs Greg James and Nick Grimshaw to swap shows

Radio 1's Greg James and Nick Grimshaw are set to swap radio shows as part of major changes at the BBC's primary radio station.

Grimshaw is set to depart the breakfast slot after six years in the role, revealing to listeners this morning that he is "really tired" and that it's "time for a change".

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Greg James will be taking over as host of Radio 1's Breakfast Show from Grimshaw, while the Oldham born DJ is set to take over James' drivetime show.

Greg James will take over Nick Grimshaw as Breakfast Show host (Photo: BBC)

The DJ said: "Come September it will be six years... I've decided it's time for a change, time for a new show and, most importantly, it's going to be time for a new wake-up time... preferably about 11.30."

James then appeared on the programme and admitted to feeling nervous about announcing his new role as the Breakfast Show host.

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He told Grimshaw: "I did not sleep one hour last night just thinking about it... it's too much."

James added that it's a "big challenge" and he's "ready to give this a go".

Dream job

Nick Grimshaw took over from Chris Moyles in 2012 and has steered the station to 5.1 million daily listeners. Recently Grimshaw's breakfast slot was cut from five days a week to just four, following drastic changes to the station's weekend schedule.

Grimshaw said in a statement: "It was always my dream to do the breakfast show and I'm very grateful that I got to live my dream every day for what will be nearly six years.

"But six years is a long time and this isn't a forever job.

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"I had the time of my life. I've decided it's time for a change and a new show.

"I love Radio 1 and can't wait to get on with the new time slot and the removal of all alarms from my house.

"I'm so happy to be swapping shows with my friend and yours Greg James, and can't wait to wake up to him each morning. Not literally. Just on the radio. Unless he's up for it."

'The most famous radio show in the world'

Grimshaw will now take on the drivetime slot currently headed by James.

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James revealed he was "beside myself" to be given the chance to present the "most famous radio show in the world".

He added: "The listeners have become like mates during the ten years I've been on air, so to be there when they wake up is a real honour.

"They're always front and centre and this will of course be the case on the new breakfast show. It's going to be the most enjoyable challenge I've ever undertaken and I can't wait to get started."

The pair will assume their new roles in Autumn.

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