A radio DJ who started his broadcasting career in Preston has abruptly quit Radio 1 after a decade.

Jordan North, who lived and went to high school in Penwortham and college in Fulwood, announced his departure from the radio station’s drivetime show.

Read more: Remembering when Radio 1’s Big Weekend came to Preston

34-year-old North said in a statement on social media: “I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful colleagues and talented producers at Radio 1 who many I consider to be friends for life and will miss greatly, you’ve all reached out to me over the past 24 hours and it really has meant a lot.

“To my amazing fellow presenters I wish I could thank you all personally, I’ve loved working with you it’s been an absolute blast.

“Big love to Kate Thisleton, Greg James, Arielle Free, Ricky, Melvin and Charlie, Dean and Vicky, Clara Amfo, Matt and Molly, Scott Mills, Grimmy, all the rest of you fantastic lot, and of course my partner in crime Vick Hope. I’ll miss being on air with you every day.

“Most importantly the biggest of thank yous to the fantastic listeners who have been really generous and always made me feel welcome, your kind words and messages have been so lovely, thank you so much.

“I’ll be back soon, and can’t wait to see you all again.”

Read more: Preston’s John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore prepares for final BBC Radio Lancashire show

The Sun is reporting that North has handed in his notice at the BBC to join Capital FM’s breakfast show, replacing Roman Kemp, in a major new broadcasting deal. Neither North, nor Global who operate Capital, have confirmed the speculation.

A statement from Radio 1 said: “Radio 1 will also be saying goodbye to Jordan North. Jordan, 34, has been heard on Radio 1 for the last 10 years with his first major show being Radio 1’s Greatest Hits on Sundays. He has enjoyed huge support from the station and listeners, developing his talent to host multiple shows across the network. He has been behind some of the most hilarious and entertaining moments on air over the years, and has been a constant source of inspiration for younger presenters.”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “Jordan has been an amazing presenter and a valued colleague at Radio 1, and I’m so proud of his journey with us. He has always connected with the Radio 1 audience through his shows and projects, as witnessed by the huge amount of money raised for Comic Relief during his rowing trip from London to Burnley.”

The BBC has confirmed former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing is to be the new drivetime presenter.

North has strong connections with Preston as he got his first hosting opportunity on community station Preston FM (which has now evolved into a local commercial radio station). He went to school at Penwortham Priory Academy and lived in Penwortham during his time at Priory. He then went on to study at Preston College.

His early career included stints at Rock FM, The Hits and Capital Manchester.

Read more: Rock FM changes to become Hits Radio Lancashire

In a statement in 2017 upon landing his first full Radio 1 contract he said: “It doesn’t seem that long ago when I was studying Media Production at Preston’s College and presenting my first ever radio shows on Preston FM.

“I left Rock FM last year to have a proper crack at in London and today’s announcement makes me feel like I’m going in the right direction and proves that the Radio 1 are actively looking for the next new presenters’.”

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