Clara Amfo to become new presenter of BBC Radio 1's Official Chart

Clara Amfo has been announced as the new presenter of BBC Radio 1's Official Chart, taking over from Jameela Jamil. 

Clara, who will present her first Official Chart show in January next year, becomes the second female to host the programme since the station first started broadcasting it in 1967. 

“It’s an absolute honour to be taking the reins on a show as iconic as The Official Chart," Clara said. "It is a dream come true and I can’t wait to announce the UK's Number 1 for the first time!"

Surrey-born Clara joined BBC Radio 1Xtra in September 2013 as part of the station's Weekend Breakfast show and was the voice behind the Official UK Top 40 on MTV's channels.

Ben Cooper, Controller at Radio 1 and 1Xtra, added: "Clara is a fantastic presenter with huge potential and I know that fans of the Official Chart will love her energy and passion for music. I’m proud that 1Xtra continues to develop young talent for the BBC and the wider industry." 

Clara takes over from Jameela, who joined the show in January 2013 and revealed that she will stay at the station but in a more flexible role. 

She said: "I've wanted to travel and work abroad my whole life, and always put it off due to the wonderful opportunities I have been afforded here, but a recent cancer scare jolted me to just do it, now, while I still can.

"Radio 1 are my family and have been incredibly supportive, and I am absolutely staying at the station but in a role that is flexible enough that I can leave the country for longer periods of time, than if I have a set weekly slot.

"I've literally never had more fun at work in my life than I do with Radio 1, and I hate to leave the chart, but I'm also excited for my next adventure.”

Clara will present her first Official Chart show on Radio 1 on January 25th 2015. She will also continue to host the Weekend Breakfast Show on 1Xtra.

Previous Official Chart presenters have included: Alan Freeman (1967-1972), Tom Browne (1972-1978), Simon Bates (1978-1979 and again in 1984), Tony Blackburn (1979-1982), Tommy Vance (1982-1984), Richard Skinner (1984-1986), Bruno Brookes (1986-1990 and again from 1992-1995), Mark Goodier (1990-1992 and again from 1995-2002), Wes Butters (2003-2005), JK and Joel (2005-2007), Fearne Cotton and Reggie Yates 2007-2009) and Reggie Yates (2009-2012).