Sunderland Sparkies to take over BBC Radio 1 over the festive period

Published on 11, December, 2025

Sparkies at the University of Sunderland have once again secured a spot on national airwaves for this year’s BBC Radio 1 Christmas Takeover.

University alumna Bobbi Bunker and spark volunteer Lewis Smith will be taking over BBC Radio and presenting a range of shows over the Christmas period.

Created in 2019, the BBC Radio 1 Christmas Takeover gives the reins over to new talent from across the UK to present key shows on the station over the festive period.

Bobbi, who studied Media Production at the University and is also Communications Coordinator at YourSU, said: “If you’d told younger me, living on a council estate in Hetton-le-Hole, that she’d be presenting on BBC Radio 1 over Christmas, she’d never have believed you.

“Absolutely buzzing for it and I can’t wait to teach the Nation some Mackem ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland.”

Lewis, who is a presenter on Spark, the University’s student-led community radio station, said: “It’s one of those pinch me moments, I can’t stop smiling.

“My time at Spark, both behind the mic, being in the Mediahub with like-minded friends and without people at Spark past and present like Scott McGerty or Grace McDonough, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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“To have such an amazing station in the north-east is so vital, and our student and community stations not just in Sunderland but across the region are so vital. Organisations like the SRA have played a massive part in building me up and giving me the knowledge and the fun to keep going in the industry. Long live student radio.”

Throughout the festive period, Bobbi will present on BBC Radio 1 Anthems, while Lewis will present on BBC Introducing Rock on Radio 1. The pair join 12 other emerging talents from across the country.

Lee Hall, Head of the School of Media and Creative Industries at the University, said: “Bobbi and Lewis are talented Sparkies who deserve to be heard by the massive BBC Radio 1 audience.

“I’m proud that the facilities and expert staff at the University have helped them cut their teeth and hone their talent - we have played our part, and now they are shining on their own merits. I can’t wait to tune in.”

If you are interested in studying Media Production at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.