SOPHIE Habboo has hit back at cruel backlash and nepotism accusations over her new BBC Radio 1 job with Jamie Laing.
Station fans had previously threatened to switch off as they slammed the decision to put Made In Chelsea star Sophie, 30, on the airwaves as "gross".
It came as former Strictly Come Dancing star Vick Hope, 35, left her presenting duties on the Going Home show to go on maternity leave.
Sharing an expert from an i article to Instagram, Sophie wrote on her Stories today: "Thank you @carsonsarah @theipaper.
"I've been reflecting on my first week of Radio 1 and it's been such a surreal experience to connect with the nation.
I love it!!!"
Chief Culture Writer Sarah Carson had praised Sophie in her opinion piece, claiming – while her hiring may not be "fair – the reality star still "deserved" her place.
She wrote: "The primary function of Radio 1 in the afternoons is providing a bit of distraction, energy, and silliness as people leave work or school.
"It's not supposed to be challenging, or specialist – it's low-stakes, unwind, chatty stuff that needs someone sparky on the mic between the pre-made playlists.
"Habboo is likeable, a sharp wit, withering, quick to laugh, and sweet. She's smart, comfortable being open about her relationship, self-effacing, and happy to indulge a bit of nonsense (she needs to be, being married to Laing).
"She feels like a friend – the kind who gives you tough love while giving your arm a gentle squeeze – and she's got charisma. That counts for a lot more than skill and experience in this landscape."
Her comments were a far cry from some listeners, who had slammed the latest hiring by bosses.
On the official social media account of BBC Radio 1, fans flocked to the comments section as they claimed the station has "fallen" in standards.
One disgruntled listener fumed: "How far we've fallen from Vick and Jordan…"
A second exclaimed: "There is something really gross, about two such privileged and independently wealthy (the Laings)given access to prime time national radio shows over people who have trained and studied for years in media."
"Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing," stated a third user.
While someone else raged: "Wealthy Reality stars just being handed roles for nothing now. They're sooo unrelatable."
And a fifth added: "Im a big radio 1 fan but shouldve been jerry …..jamie and sophie is a bad move be a switch off for me sorry."
Many longtime fans of the station directly blamed bosses for a decline as they hired "influencers".
They slammed the decision not to look for upcoming talent or give the role to an existing cover presenter who has trained for the job "for years".
Another fan noted: "Where is the dislike button?
"There are so many hard working and capable presenters covering gigs on R1 atm, how undermining that they weren't given the chance to show the listeners what they're capable of!!"
BBC News' Biggest Blunders
The Beeb has suffered a number of gaffes recently, here we take a look at the biggest, and funniest, mishaps to date:
- Maryam Moshiri flashing her middle finger during a live bulletin
- Tongued-tied sports presenter Chetan Pathak dropped an X-rated word during a report
- BBC Look North's Peter Levy asked viewers "how big their holes are" during an innuendo-filled segment
- Newsreader Roger Johnson was left scrambling after saying "cuckoo c*ck" instead of clock
- BBC Breakfast's Nina Warhurst mixing up the names of her co-hosts live on air
- The news correspondent is mistaken for shop staff and interrupted during the report
- Lukwesa Burak was left speechless after being caught stretching during a break
- Newsreader forced to run across the studio during epic camera mishap
- Azadeh Moshiri caught downing a drink of water and pulling faces at the camera in major blunder.
Someone else agreed" "Really glad I'm not the only one who was disappointed by this update.
"It really doesn't sit right with me when there's people trying so hard to get a break. It's a no from me I'm afraid."
Please get some good DJs back in the drive time slot. It's getting embarrassing
Radio 1 fan
While another added: "I think I'll be finding a different radio station to listen to for my 'going home' slot in the week now.
"Something just doesn't sit right with me, that his wife has got the job… when there must be some amazing local talent & those that have worked really hard in the industry that will have been overlooked for celebrity privilege…"
One more fan stated: "Radio 1 turning into a constant influencer podcast.. what happened to actually knowing music to being a radio DJ! Many years of listening, only holding on for Greg! Time to switch!"
Greg James is the flagship presenter of the breakfast show and fans constantly praise his skill behind the mic.
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