Judge Jules Set To Leave Radio 1

Iconic trance DJ to depart Radio 1 in 2012

Legendary Trance DJ Judge Jules is set to depart Radio 1 in 2012, amidst a revamp of the schedule.

The 45 year old DJ/Producer isn't the only high profile departure from the station. The much loved Giles Peterson, Fabio & Grooverider and Kissy Sell Out are all included in the shakeup of the late night music shows announced on Wednesday.

New arrivals to the station include Skream & Benga, Toddla T, Charlie Sloth and Friction, as well as a new show launching in April 2012 called BBC Radio 1 Residency.

The changes to the schedule come after the average age of the iconic radio stations listenership has been steadily increasing. The recently appointed controller of Radio 1, Ben Cooper commented "These changes to our evening schedule will strengthen the range and depth of the specialist music offering".

Judge Jules enjoyed an amazing 14 years at Radio 1, joining the station in 1997 after a stint at the then pirate radio station, Kiss FM. He began DJing professionally in 1987, but prior to that attended the London School of Economics where he studied Law and earned is stage name, Judge Jules.

In a sudden move Judge Jules, real name Julius O'Riordan, has announced a career change in which he will be joining London law firm Sheridans as an entertainment lawyer in 2013.

In an exclusive chat with Matt Auckland of The DJ Book, Charlie Harris of Ingetrity Artist Management commented that Jules had always had an exit strategy in mind, and did not want to be a 60 year old DJ. The BBC was aware that in 2013 when he qualifies as a solicitor, he would have to leave his show on BBC Radio 1. So the recent revamp of the late night schedule on the station presented an opportunity for Jules to leave at the right moment.

Judge Jules would like to reassure fans that he will continue his residencies in Ibiza, including Judgement Sundays at Eden and the Global Warm Up podcast, and that it will be business as usual at Radio 1 until April 2012.

We would like to wish him all the best in his new career, and hope that he isn't out of the DJ limelight too long.

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