‘It’s getting embarrassing’: Here’s why listeners dragged Radio 1 for hiring Sophie Habboo

Sophie Habboo is the newest big name to join Radio 1 as a presenter, as she steps in to cover Vick Hope’s maternity.

Reactions to her new gig have been mixed after she joined her her husband, Jamie Laing, on the drivetime show Going Home this week.

Whilst supporters of the MIC couple have celebrated the news, a number of people aren’t as pleased, with Sophie’s limited background in presenting being brought up online.

It’s not the first time listeners have had grievances with the show’s casting, as some complained about Jamie’s arrival into the Radio 1 family as Jordan North’s replacement.

After speaking extensively online and on air about his humble upbringing up north, Jordan’s substitution couldn’t have been more different from himself – leaving listeners with a lot to say.

It seems like the same crowd have spoken out about Sophie’s co-host role, instead focussing on her lack of presenter experience, despite her podcast Wednesdays We Drink Wine launching over four years ago.

Two journalism students called the news “deflating”, explaining how Sophie is “great on her podcast” but highlighted how they’d have liked to have heard from someone with a “new voice” and with “something interesting and different to say”.

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Our thoughts on Sophie Habboo joining her husband Jamie Laing on the BCC radio 1 drive time spot (from a journalists perspective!) 💌 #sophiehabboo #jamielaing #newlyweds #radio1 #bbcradio

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In a TikTok, they asked “What is the point in us even training as journalists?”

They added: “No hate to her, she got the opportunity and she took it and fair enough. But the people giving her that opportunity.”

The other ended with: “Essentially, what does this say about the direction our industry is going in?”

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Commenting on the joint Instagram post by Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo in which announced the news, one user complained about the station’s decision to hire another famous person over giving the opportunity to someone training in the industry. They wrote: “Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It’s getting embarrassing.”

Another claimed that they’d no longer be listening to the Going Home show, saying: “I’m a big Radio 1 fan but should’ve been Jerry …..Jamie and Sophie is a bad move, be a switch off for me sorry.”

The hiring sparked a buzz on TikTok, with one showbuz creator, Poppy, explaining how she was “so annoyed” when she read the news. Directing her questions to Radio 1, she asked why we are not “cultivating new talent and giving these opportunities to new voices”.

On the other hand, a number of listeners celebrated the news, with one writing: “Mega! Can’t wait.”

Another comment read: “Can’t wait for the Sophie Habboo show featuring Jamie Laing.”

Greg James even got in on the news, writing: “I thought there were three of us in this marriage?”

Running from 3.30pm until 5.45pm on Radio 1, Sophie Habboo will only be stepping in to cover Going Home show until Vick Hope returns following the birth of her child with husband, Calvin Harris.

Featured image via TikTok and Instagam