Reece Parkinson will be pursuing an exciting new venture (Picture: Getty Images)
Reece Parkinson may have quit BBC Radio 1Xtra but it’s all for the greater good as he’s announced his shock new career.
The presenter, 28, was previously confirmed to be leaving the station after seven years as 1Xtra undergoes a big shake-up, with Remi Burgz set to replace him on the Drivetime Show.
It was said that Reece would be pursuing other projects but he’s now shed light on his exciting new chapter.
He told his Twitter followers on Monday: ‘I will be leaving BBC Radio 1Xtra on March 27th. I started as an intern at 21, then 2 years later, got my first on-air show. The past 7 years have been incredible.
‘I would like to extend my gratitude to the management, staff, and of course, the amazing listeners.’
Reece then went on to reveal how he’ll be moving into science and technology, developing medicines for diseases inspired by his own experience of being diagnosed with diabetes.
Reece explained that his diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has inspired his career change (Picture: @reece_parkinson, Twitter)
‘Through my own personal exploration & extensive research into how rapid our world is changing. I’ve been diving deep into exponential technological sectors,’ he explained.
‘Particularly life sciences, which has strongly connected with me on a personal level since I got diagnosed with Type 1.
‘I’m really proud to be shortly joining a world-class team working on scientific innovations, creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.’
The presenter added: ‘It’s a really exciting time! Again, thanks to everyone that I’ve been lucky to work with at 1Xtra.’
Reece was able to run a marathon after his diabetes diagnosis forced him to pull out the year before (Picture: Getty Images)
Reece joined 1Xtra in 2016 as an intern (Picture: WireImage)
Reece learned he had Type 1 diabetes in 2020, forcing him to pull out of running a marathon. However, he was able to take part the following year with his journey documented in a BBC film.
Type 1 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high. It happens when the body cannot produce enough of a hormone called insulin, which controls blood glucose. The person needs to take insulin everyday to keep their blood glucose levels under control.
The broadcaster was flooded with messages of support from his peers and celebrities alike, including Craig David who wrote: ‘Love this brother. You’re gonna continue to make such a positive difference to people.’
Former Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw said: ‘Wow congratulations Reece….on everything at @1Xtra and on the new science gig love that!’
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A message from Diabetes UK read: ‘Wishing you all the best with your exciting new adventure, Reece.’
Reece joined 1Xtra as an intern in 2016 and four years later took over the Drivetime Show from Monday to Thursday from DJ MistaJam. He has also presented the Weekend Breakfast Show and 1Xtra Talks – a news and current affairs programme – along with a segment for BBC World News’s The Travel Show about travelling with his diabetes diagnosis.
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What an incredible career move!