Greg James Makes Sparkling Radio 1 Breakfast Show Debut

There was an overwhelmingly positive response on social media.

Greg James got a firm thumbs up from listeners as he hosted his first Radio 1 Breakfast Show.

The presenter took the helm of the flagship show from previous host Nick Grimshaw on Monday morning, and was met with a warm reception from fans.

He opened the show with the words, “Oh, hi!” before adding: “Well, this is unbelievably exciting.

“This is the most famous radio show in the world and it is a privilege to share it with you.”

And we're off! 🚀✨

Here are @GregJames' very first words on brand new Breakfast and the all-important first song to be played on the show...

This is going to be FUN! pic.twitter.com/jwZRdieOdm

— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) August 20, 2018

In that spirit, he opened it up to listeners to decide the first song of his show.

He said: “Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, what’s it gonna be? It’s going to set the tone and be remembered,’ but I don’t want to pick the first song. I don’t want to do it - it’s down to you.”

The first person to text in got their choice on air, which was ‘Levels’ by the late Avicii.

As Greg then entertained the nation for the following three and a half hours, including a comedy stunt involving the Red Arrows and comedian Joe Lycett, fans flooded social media with praise:

As a truck driver I’ve listened to you @gregjames throughout all your shows, from the start of your time on @bbcr1 been waiting for you on breakfast for years, brilliant show today, definitely hit the spot! It’s gona be a good ride with you every morning!

— peter nixon (@petern280) August 20, 2018

Well done @gregjames great show today! 1 show down only 6 years to go 😃Hope they are all as weird and wonderful as a lion, calvin harris & The red arrows on bicycles 🤣🤣

— Ryan Stiggants (@getstiggywidit) August 20, 2018

@BBCR1 @gregjames - Brilliant job with your first breakfast show. Loved that you have implemented the 10-minute takeover into the morning. Have fun - us listeners love it! #GoGreg!

— Samuel Poole (@shjpoole) August 20, 2018

Absolutely love seeing this. What a great guy and what a brilliant way to start his first ever breakfast show. I feel like a proud parent 😂 So so pleased for Greg James! ♥️ https://t.co/VeobFDzN79

— Miss Stringer (@MissStringerMus) August 20, 2018

Waking upto @gregjames is the best! Brilliant show. Favourite DJ on air - his passion for radio is off the scale. Smashing it Greggles!! 🙌🏻 https://t.co/gKwgtahljY

— Jo Pack (@JoPack1) August 20, 2018

Good job @gregjames! First breakfast show, and you smashed it! #NationalRadioDay pic.twitter.com/ZhBdxrsW60

— Leanne MacDuff (@leannemacduff) August 20, 2018

I've always liked @gregjames so I will definitely be tuning in to his new @BBCR1 Breakfast Show to give it a try. I can't think of anyone I'd rather hear hosting it. It was a great first day today.

— Rob Spratt (@robspratt) August 20, 2018

Missed the beginning of @gregjames first breakfast show so listening to it now at work😃already had me laughing at my desk! #radio1breakfast

— Lottie Walker (@lottiewalker11) August 20, 2018

@gregjames Great show. First time ever I set my alarm for a radio show. You didn’t disappoint. Loved the @CalvinHarris segment and his passion for nature and gardening. What a way to spend 3.5 hours. You’ve set me up for the week. Thanks Greg. @BBCR1

— Banana Beyre (@BananaBeyre) August 20, 2018

May be just the first day, but @gregjames may be the first breakfast show on Radio 1 to acknowledge that there's a listener.

— Robin Blamires (@RobinBlamires) August 20, 2018

Time for work now, thank you @gregjames for a great morning, fantastic first breakfast show. I'll catch you tomorrow 6.33am yeah? @R1Breakfast @BBCR1 #R1BreakfastWithGreg

— Kieran Bradley (@kieranbradley91) August 20, 2018

What a show for @gregjames @BBCR1 this morning! You are making this 4 you commute on my first day back after getting married that little bit more bearable! So thank you!!

— Steve Foster (@SteveFoster2017) August 20, 2018

Woke up at 8. I'm now using radio iPlayer to rewind and listen to the entirety of @gregjames first breakfast show. Loving it! Well done @BBCR1, you've won me back in the mornings👏

— Lydia (@lydia_hazel) August 20, 2018

After six years hosting the drivetime show, Greg has job-swapped with Grimmy, who will take over the 4-7pm slot next month.

Ahead of his Breakfast Show debut last week, Greg spoke to HuffPost UK about his hopes to bring in younger audiences, as he defended the station from side-lining older artists.

“Radio 1 is the champion of new music so we have to make sure we’re discovering new artists all the time and that’s the really huge part of Radio 1 and we have to give a platform to brand new artists,” he said.

“Madonna has been on in the past, but the whole world has to move on and Radio 1 has to be the place for new artists and breaking new styles.”

‘Radio 1 Breakfast With Greg James’ airs Monday to Thursday from 6.30-10am on BBC Radio 1.

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