Greg James didn't show up for his Radio 1 breakfast show this morning - here's why

Greg James had been spotted partying at the 2020 Brit Awards (Getty Images)Greg James had been spotted partying at the 2020 Brit Awards (Getty Images)
Greg James had been spotted partying at the 2020 Brit Awards (Getty Images)

Greg James failed to show up for his Radio 1 Breakfast Show after partying at the 2020 Brit Awards.

The 34-year-old was "missing" for his early morning slot with Adele Roberts stepping in following her 4am to 6.30am slot.

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A merry Greg James had been spotted in the audience at the music awards last night, and hinted that he was in for a heavy night on his Instagram page.

He posted: "What a night. 6:30am is gonna be fun."

But some listeners have claimed that the absence was a pre-planned stunt.

'A dirty little no-show'

Adele Roberts raised the alarm over James' absence when she announced to Breakfast show listeners that she would be presenting the show.

She said: "Yeah, about that. Radio 1 Breakfast with Adele Roberts - I can’t believe this is happening.”

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Roberts then went on to poke fun at her colleague, describing him as a "dirty little no-show".

Much of today's Breakfast Show was spent trying to track down the MIA presenter, with Roberts pleading listeners to scan Instagram feeds for any sign of James.

Roberts, 40, then tweeted: "If you see Greg James this morning could you please return him to: BBC Radio 1, Broadcasting House, London, W1A 1DJ? Thank you x."

Greg James' wife Bella Mackie then added to the drama when she tweeted: "Husband didn’t come home last night."

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A spokesperson for Radio 1 added: "The brilliant Adele Roberts, Jordan North and Matt Edmondson are presenting Radio 1 Breakfast this morning in Greg's absence."

Stunt or sickie

On Tuesday night Best British Group winners Foals, hinted that they would be celebrating into the small hours with the DJ.

They tweeted "Greg James we won, you are coming with us", to which the official Brit Awards account replied "Hey Greg Enjoy the After Party"suggesting that the absence may have been a pre-planned escapade.

Fans of the Breakfast Show are divided on whether James' absence was a planned stunt or if the London-born DJ was pulling a genuine "sickie".

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One social media user posted that she was torn on whether the absence was genuine.

I’m fully aware that this whole Greg James not turning up could be a publicity stunt, but I’m also fully invested now 👀🤷🏻‍♀️

— Rhianna (@_RhiWard) February 19, 2020

Another claimed that Greg James was too professional to miss his slot

Greg James being a no show is definitely a set up. No doubt about it. Mr. Professional himself, he cares way too much. #BBCBreakfast @BBCR1

— Macca (@Ryanmclfc7) February 19, 2020

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A public relations officer claimed that this had all the hallmarks of a planned stunt

Working in PR has ruined the fun in everything. I can't read the Greg James coverage and enjoy it because I just think about that meeting where they decided on doing this as a stunt and LOOK at all the coverage they got, so 👏... still love #GregJames

— Jasmine Granton (@GrantonJasmine) February 19, 2020

Other listeners began theorising about how the DJ might mark his arrival

I’m really hoping Greg suddenly bursts in through the ceiling of the studio dresses as a badger #superdrug

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— fruit flies like a banana 🍌 (@DaniedmundsDani) February 19, 2020

While some simply enjoyed the chaos unfolding

Greg James being a no show and three presenters having to muddle their way through a show the night after the BRITs is the best way to start the day 😂

— Josh Parker (@joshparker94) February 19, 2020

Adele Roberts earned a heap of praise for her "impromptu" stint as Breakfast Show presenter

It's the morning after the Brits and @AdeleRoberts is like everyone's big sister "someone get Arielle a coffee". What a hero!! 😂 Still no sign of @gregjames either... pic.twitter.com/bYBzwNw9OF

— Roisin Hastie (@RoisinHastie) February 19, 2020

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And some issued sage advice to the missing DJ on how to avoid getting caught out in future.

.@gregjames, rule no:1 of going out on a school night, if you post it on social media, you HAVE to turn up to work the next day... @BBCR1 pic.twitter.com/wYh9DNh4YB

— Alice Stevens (@AliceBowring) February 19, 2020