DJ Nick Grimshaw is leaving the BBC after 14 years.

He told listeners to his Radio 1 Drivetime show:

“I have some news guys, some big news.

“It’s big news for me to announce.

“I want to do it at the start of the show otherwise I’ll be weird for the next two hours.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a little while, after 14 years of working here I’ve made a big decision.

“It’s a huge decision, an exciting one and a happy one.

“It’s something I’ve given a lot of thought. Radio 1 is home to me.

“It’s the only station I’ve wanted to work.

“I was thinking the past 18 months have been the most surreal moments ever.

“A lot of you guys, you take stock in times like this and look at your life.

“I looked at mine and I wanted to make that change.

“My childhood dream was to work on Radio 1 and I have been lucky enough to make that dream come true.

“It has been everything I’d imagined and even more.

“I grew up wanting to connect with people and to feel accepted and the Radio 1 listeners gave me that and let me be part of their daily life, for which I will be eternally grateful.

“But over the last few months I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my future and after 14 years, I’ve made the decision that it’s time for me to move on – I’d like to thank the listeners as without them none of this could have been possible and the Radio 1 family, who have been such a huge part of my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The BBC announced Vick Hope and Jordan North will be taking over from the 3:30-6pm slot on Radio 1.

BBC Radio 1 tweeted:

“After an incredible 14 years at the station, we’ll be saying goodbye to Nick Grimshaw this September.

“We have some news! From September, the brilliant Vick Hope & Jordan North will take over Monday – Thursday afternoons from 3:30 – 6pm on Radio 1.”