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Clara Amfo Cites Depression and Burnout Behind Her Radio 1 Departure

On Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast she revealed that chasing viral clips left her feeling depleted, forcing her to prioritise mental health over her career

Overview

  • Amfo took personal leave in mid-2023 to reset before formally resigning from her daily Radio 1 show.
  • She joined BBC Radio 1 in 2015 after stints at Kiss FM and 1Xtra and became a fixture through flagship slots such as Live Lounge and The Official Chart.
  • Her "Hottest Record" feature and BBC festival coverage helped spotlight emerging artists and earned her acclaim across the UK.
  • Amfo criticised the relentless pursuit of viral clips in broadcasting, saying it undermined her ability to connect authentically with listeners.
  • She continues to front BBC culture programmes and speaks candidly about appearance pressures, recalling how she once considered liposuction before researching its risks.