JB Gill lands huge new role away from BBC Strictly and begins weeks before show final: ‘So excited’
Strictly Come Dancing star JB Gill is set to take over from Sam Thompson as host of The Hits UK Chart show on Hits Radio.
The former JLS member, 37, will begin his new role this Sunday, November 17, counting down the nation’s forty biggest tracks of the week.
The temporary appointment comes as regular host Thompson heads to Australia to join the presenting team for I’m A Celebrity Unpacked, following his victory in last year’s main show.
Gill will host the weekly chart show until Thompson’s return after the I’m A Celebrity final on December 8.
The Strictly star expressed his enthusiasm for the new role on Instagram, sharing photos of himself in the radio studio.
“I’m SO excited to be joining the @hitsradiouk family covering the Hits UK Chart show for my boy @samthompsonuk while he’s down under for @imacelebrity!” he wrote.
“What an honour to be covering for my mate Sam whilst he’s in Australia,” Gill said. “I have listened to the charts ever since I was a little kid and I’m going to get such a kick out of hosting the show and revealing that all-important number one to listeners.”
His announcement received support from JLS bandmate Marvin Humes, who commented: “Welcome to the family brother! You’re gonna smash it..well done.”
Thompson has flown to Australia to co-host I’m A Celebrity Unpacked alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rogers.
The former Made In Chelsea star, who won I’m A Celebrity in 2023, faces unique scheduling challenges due to the time difference.
The spin-off programme will be filmed in UK time, requiring Thompson to go to bed at 4pm and wake up at midnight in Australia.
Thompson revealed he had to visit hospital before his departure to request sleeping pills to help manage the unusual schedule.
He arrived at Brisbane Airport on Sunday with his co-hosts, despite their flight nearly being diverted due to a severe thunderstorm.
The star will need to balance his new radio duties with his ongoing Strictly Come Dancing commitments, as the BBC show continues until Christmas.
Gill recently experienced a change in his Strictly journey when Amy Dowden withdrew from the competition due to a foot injury.
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Lauren Oakley has since become his permanent dance partner for the remainder of the series.
Following the partnership change, Gill paid tribute to Dowden on Instagram, saying: “Heartbreaking news @amy_dowden but our moments will be forever in Strictly history, never forget that. Thank you for being the best teacher.” (sic)
