Beloved BBC star reveals heartbreaking reason why she quit Radio 1

A beloved BBC star has revealed the real reason she quit her Radio 1 job after sharing her heartbreaking health condition. Clara Amfo, who spent 10 years as a DJ on the airwaves and now fronts a series of culture programmes for the broadcaster, opened up about her unexpected departure on the Happy Place podcast. Speaking to host Fearne Cotton, she opened up about her battle with "deep, deep depression" admitting "I was in the trenches", and how she took time off before deciding that she was ready to quit.

The 41-year-old broadcaster explained: "The start of 2023, I was in the flipping trenches. I was burnt out, I wasn't taking care of myself properly and I think I was a bit overwhelmed by life's injustices.

"I just wasn't feeling great and I was in a bit of a negative headspace. I was feeling really, really depressed sort of mid 2023 and I took some time off radio, and just had to have a little reset. That is when I decided I was going to leave my show."

The beloved DJ also spoke about the pressure to "get the next viral clip" while working on the show. She said: "I had mixed reactions. Obviously our bosses, who are lovely, were like, 'But why?'

"I'm one of these people where I am so passionate about what I do that I never want to resent anything, I don't want anything to feel like it's forced or a chore.

"And I want to be able to listen to music always as a fan, rather than as a business, and I want to be able to talk to people on a human level without thinking, 'I've got to get that viral interview clip'."

When Clara quit Radio 1 in 2023, she said at the time: "I'm so proud of the work I've been able to do on every show, whether it's been from the 8th floor, a city in the UK or a pop star's house across the pond.

"I'm grateful to have had the ears of the listeners who have consistently shown up for me. I'm enamoured by everyone I've had the privilege of working alongside for each and every broadcast. I'm energised and excited for my next chapter as part of the network and beyond."

During her time at the radio station, she helped elevate new artists through her "hottest record" feature. Amfo previously hosted Radio 1's Live Lounge, The Official Chart on Radio 1, and her 1Xtra programme.