DJ Ace to leave Radio 1Xtra after 21 years on station

DJ Ace has interviewed some of the biggest names in music during two decades at 1Xtra

DJ Ace - one of Radio 1Xtra's most popular hosts - is leaving the station after 21 years.

The presenter's fronted various shows on the network, racking up 10,000 hours of broadcasting in some of its prime slots.

But Ace, real name Ashley Asomani, says it's time for him to "move on" after two decades of music and A-list interviews.

His final R&B show will air on Saturday 20 January.

Since Ace joined the station back in 2002, he's presented shows including Weekend Breakfast and 1Xtra's Live Lounge.

And he's also interviewed some of the biggest names in music along the way including Alicia Keys, Akon, Usher, Lizzo and John Legend.

Announcing his departute, Ace said: "I've loved my time at 1Xtra and have so many proud moments to reflect on. I'm very thankful for all the opportunities I have had."

Ace also spent almost three years waiting for a kidney transplant in 2021, and spoke openly about the need for people from black and Asian backgrounds to talk more openly about organ donation.

When he announced his departure, 1Xtra breakfast presenter Nadia Jae posted on X, calling him her "hero".

And fans joined in to say they'd miss him and pay tribute to his "energy vibe waves".

DJ Ace had Top Boy actors Michael Ward and Ashley Walters on his show back in 2019

Earlier this year it was announced that Ace's weekday slot would be taken over by Birmingham-based DJ Day Day.

Station bosses previously said Ace would carry on presenting the Saturday night R&B show, but that will now be taken over by Chuckie.

The podcast host and DJ is behind the award-winning HCPod and YouTube series The Cheque Up, where he's interviewed guests including Ed Sheeran, Maya Jama, Kranium and Stormzy.

R&B band No Guidnce will cover the programme until Chuckie's first show on 24 February.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.