Traitors star Minah Shannon joins Radio 1 to host Friday Early Breakfast

Minah Shannon and Lauren Redfern are to take over BBC Radio 1’s Friday Early Breakfast slot on a monthly rotation.

Minah starred in series three of BBC’s The Traitors, as a Traitor, but left the show when Charlotte Berman, who she’d recruited as a Traitor a few nights earlier, turned on her at the Round Table and voted for her to be banished.

Minah will co-host the show alongside Radio 1’s Nat O’Leary throughout May. Then, Lauren, who joined the BBC to present the Radio 1 Anthems extension in November 2024, will host the slot in June.

As part of the new run, the duo will present a special show live from Liverpool on Friday 23 May, helping to kick off this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend 2025 celebrations and, in keeping with Minah’s scouse roots.

Minah Shannon says: “I am so excited to be presenting every Friday in May on Radio 1’s Early Breakfast! I’m hoping to brighten up listeners morning’s (or day’s if you catch up on BBC Sounds).

“Getting to present alongside Nat O’Leary is going to be so much fun. We discovered we both attended the same university and used to hang out in all the same places, so it feels like it was meant to be! If we can give the lovely listeners a laugh, then mission accomplished!”

Lauren Redfern says: “Absolutely buzzing to be taking over the early morning breakfast slot every Friday in June!

“I’ve been loving presenting shows over on Radio 1 Anthems, but now they’re letting me loose on your mornings too! I can’t wait to share my mornings with you!”

Aled Haydn Jones, Head of Radio 1, says: “The Friday Early Breakfast slot has become a key platform for emerging presenters to find their voice and connect with the Radio 1 listeners.

“I’m really excited about this next wave of presenters – Minah and Nat will be a great team in May, and I’m looking forward to welcoming Lauren to the slot in June.”