Vicky Hawkesworth

Vicky Hawkesworth is a BBC Radio 1 presenter celebrated for her vibrant, engaging style and authentic northern voice. She made broadcasting history in 2022 by taking over Scott Mills' afternoon show, becoming the first weekday programme to broadcast from Salford as part of the BBC's Across The UK initiative. Now hosting Radio 1's Group Chat every weekend with Nat O'Leary and the popular Radio 1 00s and 10s show, Vicky connects with audiences through her upbeat wit and relatability. Her sessions inspire organisations to embrace authentic communication, champion regional talent, and create inclusive environments that resonate with diverse audiences.

When Vicky Hawkesworth took over Scott Mills' afternoon show in September 2022, she made broadcasting history as the first weekday BBC Radio 1 programme to broadcast from Salford, proudly representing the North on a national stage. A Bolton native who graduated from the University of Salford in 2017 with a degree in Television and Radio, Vicky's journey to Radio 1 began during the 2020 festive period when she hosted the station's Christmas Takeover, captivating audiences with her upbeat wit and authentic northern voice. Today, she hosts Radio 1's Group Chat every Friday and Saturday alongside Nat O'Leary, as well as the popular Radio 1 00s and 10s show, cementing her place as a key figure in the station's weekly lineup. Beyond the microphone, Vicky also works as a sought-after DJ, performing at brand launches and festivals across the UK.

Vicky's career reflects both talent and determination, having risen through the ranks as a trusted cover presenter at BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio Manchester before securing her landmark afternoon slot. Her broadcasting credentials include hosting BBC iPlayer coverage of Radio 1's Big Weekend 2022 and the Platinum Jubilee Concert, demonstrating her versatility across live events and studio programming. As a proud northerner from a modest background, Vicky has broken barriers in a media industry often dominated by privilege, championing regional voices and authentic representation. Her commitment extends beyond broadcasting through her community work, including fundraising for Bolton Hospice and promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity through her show on Gaydio. Vicky regularly visits schools in Bolton, offering career guidance and inspiration to students, and maintains strong ties with the University of Salford, where she provides valuable career advice through interactive seminars.

Vicky's speaking engagements inspire organisations to embrace authentic communication and champion regional talent in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Drawing from her experience making broadcasting history and navigating a competitive industry, she demonstrates how staying true to one's roots whilst pursuing ambitious goals creates genuine connection and lasting impact. Her insights on inclusive workplace cultures, the power of representation, and building careers outside traditional metropolitan centres offer practical value for teams seeking to broaden their reach and authenticity. Audiences leave Vicky's sessions energised by her relatability and motivated to create environments where diverse voices can thrive, equipped with tangible strategies for connecting with communities in meaningful, lasting ways.