One of Bolton's rising stars has spoken of her excitement at being selected to host one of Radio 1's primetop shows.

Former Bolton FM presenter, Vicky Hawkesworth, alongside Dean McCollough, will be replacing Scott Mills and Chris Stark on the afternoon show which airs Monday to Thursday, 1pm to 3:30pm as of September 5.

The new show will be the first weekday programme to make the move out of London and be broadcast from Salford as part of the BBC's Across The UK plans.

Vicky, who currently hosts regular shows on BBC Radio Manchester and GAYDIO, said: "I'm a little bit all over the place, in a good way, obviously.

"It's just madness. It seems so, sort of, not real.

"In fact, I actually thought maybe I was making it up, maybe I'd just dreamt it, like Dean was saying.

"But I'm really excited to get going with it, it's gonna be a lot of fun."

We're excited to announce some changes to the Radio 1 schedule Dean McCullough and Vicky Hawkesworth will be taking over the Monday Thursday, 1pm - 3:30pm slot, broadcasting live from Salford!@thedeanlife @VKHawkesworth pic.twitter.com/0fVZEdDjBY

BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) July 5, 2022

Vicky's radio career started as a volunteer at Bolton FM. General Manager Keith Harris says he always knew she had what it takes to be successful in the industry.

He said:"Vicky is so good at what she does. She's very set in what she what she wants to do, and she's achieved it.

"She's such a nice girl. A lovely, lovely girl. She always has lots of time for everybody."

Bolton FM prides itself on being able to create opportunites for the town's young talent.

"It's a great career path. Community radio is a stepping stone. Where else will offer you a studio and just let you get on with a show?

"Vicky's success will encourage people and helps us to recruit new young volunteers to get them into radio.

"It's another recognition of the quality of people here in Bolton, and their willingness to work to achieve their goals."

He added: "Bolton will be taking over the airwaves soon. Vernon Kaye, Sara Cox, and now Vicky."

Vicky and Dean were given their first opportunity to host on Radio 1 during the 2020 festive period as part of Radio 1's Christmas Takeover an initiative which provides a springboard for emerging presenters.

On Friday (July 1) it was announced that Scott, 48, and Chris, 35, would be stepping down from presenting their Radio 1 slot in August.

The pair discovered that Vicky and Dean will be taking over from them live on Radio 1 on Tuesday - the new presenting duo phoned in to reveal the news.