Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Charlie Hedges

Charlie Hedges (born 18 July 1986) is a British and radio presenter renowned for her energetic style and contributions to the scene. She gained prominence as the UK's youngest breakfast show DJ when she joined Kiss FM in 2005, co-hosting the program with and for a record 15 years and earning a Sony Radio Award for the show. In 2019, Hedges transitioned to BBC Radio 1 alongside her former co-hosts, debuting in the mid-evening slot before moving to the mid-morning program in 2021, where the trio continues to broadcast Monday through Thursday. She also took over as host of Radio 1's Dance Anthems in September 2020, airing Saturdays from 4 to 7 p.m., and began co-hosting Radio 1's in September 2021, featuring live performances from major artists. Beyond radio, Hedges is an accomplished DJ who performs at international festivals and events, delivering high-energy sets focused on and . She holds a BA in from and has released singles such as "Best Night OML" (2014) with , "Kaleidoscope" (2016) on Armada Deep, and "You're No Good For Me" (2020) with on . In 2016, she launched the Skiddle music podcast on to showcase emerging dance talent.

Early life

Childhood and family background

Charlie Hedges was born on 18 July 1986 in , . She grew up in Rainham, , where she was raised in a household that fostered an early appreciation for music. From a young age, Hedges displayed a passion for music, often dancing to songs as a four-year-old, as captured in family videos. Her parents introduced her to the sounds of , particularly FM, which they listened to together during her childhood in the . This exposure to the vibrant music scene, including underground dance and urban tracks broadcast on unlicensed stations, ignited her lifelong interest in DJing and radio. Her father, a black cab driver, further connected her to the world of through casual encounters that would later influence her career path. One of Hedges' cherished childhood memories involves receiving her first record, a single, as a Christmas gift, which she proudly held in a family photo. These early hobbies, centered around and , were shaped by the energetic local culture in and during the late and early , where she dreamed of becoming a DJ.

Education and initial interests

Charlie Hedges grew up in , , where she attended local secondary schools before pursuing . Although specific secondary institutions are not widely documented, her early schooling laid the foundation for her interests in and . At age 13, during lunch breaks, she began freelance work as a junior journalist and assistant for the youth-oriented magazine Naked Tongue, conducting interviews with celebrities, which sparked her passion for and storytelling. Hedges later enrolled at in to study for a BA in , a program she started shortly after completing her prior education. This formal training honed her communication skills and aligned with her longstanding ambition to become a radio . Throughout her school years, she developed a deep interest in , particularly , and expressed a desire from a young age to work as a club DJ. Her initial forays into DJing were self-taught, beginning after she completed her degree when she borrowed a friend's set of decks and practiced daily in secret until she could afford her own equipment. These early experiments focused on mixing tracks rather than full production, reflecting her budding hobby in curating and sharing music before any professional involvement.

Career

Early career in music and radio

Hedges began her professional journey in radio following the completion of her BA in , securing an entry-level role at a London-based station in 2007, where she assisted on early morning shifts and observed broadcasting operations behind the scenes. This position allowed her to gain practical experience in radio production and gradually transition to on-air contributions, building a foundation in the industry while drawing from her longstanding interest in music developed during her education. Parallel to her radio work, Hedges taught herself DJing in the late 2000s, focusing on and genres, and began performing at small venues in the London area during the early . Her debut professional gig occurred at a modest bar in , , where she played to a local crowd, an experience she later described as nerve-wracking but pivotal. Prior to securing management, she independently arranged additional club bookings across and , honing her skills through these grassroots performances in intimate settings like bars and small events. To expand her reach, Hedges launched her online presence by uploading monthly DJ mixes to around 2012, showcasing her selections of and tracks to a growing digital audience. This platform served as an essential tool for promoting her emerging DJ portfolio and connecting with the broader music community in , facilitating initial networking opportunities within club and production circles.

Work at Kiss FM

In 2009, Charlie Hedges joined the Kiss FM Breakfast show as co-host alongside and , marking her transition from behind-the-scenes work experience at the station to a prominent on-air role. Her contributions to the morning slot involved selecting and playing high-energy dance tracks, conducting exclusive interviews with celebrities such as and , and delivering live segments that blended humorous banter with audience interaction to energize listeners during rush hour. Under the trio's dynamic presentation, the show's format evolved to emphasize a youthful, inclusive vibe combining infectious chat, current hits, and guest appearances, which helped drive audience reach to approximately two million weekly listeners by the mid-2010s. In 2014, Hedges broadened her presence at Kiss by launching a third program, hosting Friday nights on the sister station Kiss Fresh from midnight to 2 a.m., focusing on fresh anthems and further showcasing her DJ expertise. Building briefly on her prior freelance DJing, this period solidified her reputation in urban and dance radio. Hedges left Kiss FM at the end of 2018 alongside her co-hosts to pursue opportunities at , aiming for wider national exposure through a new late-night slot.

BBC Radio 1 roles

Charlie Hedges joined in January 2019 as co-host of the weekday evening show alongside and , initially airing from 9pm to 11pm Monday to Thursday. The trio, known collectively as Rickie, Melvin and Charlie, brought their established chemistry from commercial radio to the public broadcaster, focusing on youth-oriented music, , and interactive segments targeted at a young audience. In September 2020, Hedges assumed the role of solo host for Radio 1's Dance Anthems, succeeding following his departure from the after 15 years. The program airs Saturdays from 4pm to 7pm, blending tracks with timeless classics to showcase the genre's evolution and appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners. Hedges' selections often highlight influential anthems from artists like and , emphasizing high-energy mixes that capture the essence of club culture. By April 2021, Rickie, Melvin and transitioned to a prominent daytime slot on , broadcasting Monday to Thursday from 10:30am to 1pm. In September 2021, the trio began co-hosting Radio 1's , featuring live performances from major artists. This move expanded their responsibilities to include artist interviews, live performances, and chart previews, solidifying Hedges' presence in the network's core programming for emerging music and cultural trends. Hedges has also contributed to special events, such as the Radio 1 Dance Weekend in August 2025, where she hosted a live set from Ibiza featuring major classic and current dance anthems broadcast across BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1 Dance. Her ongoing commitments, including guest hosting for other segments, underscore her role in promoting dance music within the BBC's youth-focused ecosystem.

DJing and live performances

Charlie Hedges has built a notable career as a performing DJ in the club scene since the mid-2010s, with guest spots and residencies at prominent venues that showcase her high-energy dance sets. She delivered a memorable performance at in during February 2013, blending classic and contemporary tracks to engage large crowds. Her appearances have extended to other iconic spots, including collaborations with events tied to major promoters, emphasizing her role in delivering anthemic dance experiences. Hedges' festival appearances highlight her ability to command outdoor stages with vibrant, crowd-focused sets. She has performed at , where her DJ slots contributed to the event's diverse electronic lineup alongside coverage. Additional festival highlights include sets at , , , and Boardmasters, where she mixes uplifting house and dance anthems to energize audiences. At , she headlined the Dance Stage in in May 2025, delivering a 40-minute set of hits that drew thousands and was later recapped on air. Internationally, Hedges has expanded her live performances through gigs in , often linked to her Dance Anthems branding from BBC Radio 1. She held a residency alongside at Ushuaïa and Ibiza, playing extended sets of club classics during peak summer seasons. In August 2025, she broadcast and performed a live Dance Anthems set from at Ibiza Rocks, fusing radio promotion with on-site energy. A standout recent event was her Dance Anthems mix at Radio 1 Anthems Live on November 15, 2025, where she curated a high-impact DJ set amid performances by artists like and , celebrating two decades of dance hits. Her radio hosting style, known for its enthusiastic track selection, has directly influenced the dynamic crowd interaction in these live environments.

Music production and releases

Hedges entered music production in the mid-2010s, with her first single "Best Night OML" (2014) featuring . This was followed by "Kaleidoscope" (2016) with Sonny Reeves on Armada Deep. She began sharing additional productions on around 2017, including the single "Hit It" featuring Bayku, released via Armada Deep that year, which showcased her emerging style of high-energy beats. These early uploads on the platform allowed her to build a following and refine her production techniques before securing further label deals. By the early 2020s, Hedges' output had matured into polished singles distributed through established dance labels, including "You're No Good For Me" (2020) with Eddie Craig on . In 2023, she released "Silence Your Mind" featuring Fredrik Ferrier, a track emphasizing pulsating electronic rhythms and vocal hooks designed for club environments. This was followed in July 2024 by the high-octane single "Lost In It All" featuring Jess Ball, issued via Perfect Havoc, which highlighted her ability to blend uplifting melodies with driving basslines. These releases demonstrated her growth as a focused on anthemic dance tracks. Hedges has frequently collaborated with other artists in the dance scene, contributing to both original productions and remixes. Notable partnerships include "Them Hands" with Selekio in 2019, a club-oriented track released on SNO Industries that fused elements. She has also worked extensively with Eddie Craig on , such as their 2020 take on "Thin Line" by John Summit and , and the 2022 remix of "What You Do To Me" by Dan De Lioncourt, infusing originals with her signature energetic drops. These collaborations underscore her versatility within electronic music subgenres like and . Her role in curating dance mixes has notably influenced her production style, emphasizing infectious electronic beats and memorable hooks that resonate in high-energy settings. Tracks like those in her 2021 "House Of Charlie" mix previewed elements later refined in professional releases, prioritizing crowd-engaging structures. Hedges often premieres new productions during DJ sets, allowing real-time feedback to shape her evolving sound.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Charlie Hedges is a to one , Summer , born on August 13, 2022. She announced her live on in March 2022, surprising co-host during a broadcast. Hedges has publicly described the birth as an "amazing experience" and expressed that her life felt complete with the arrival of her , whom she and her partner welcomed together. Hedges maintains a private personal life regarding her relationships but has shared that she is in a committed partnership with Lee, the father of her child; the couple is not married. She has consistently kept details about her partner limited to public disclosures tied to family milestones, emphasizing privacy amid her high-profile career. In balancing motherhood with her demanding role in radio and DJing, Hedges returned to work just seven weeks after giving birth, a decision she later reflected on as challenging yet right for her . She has openly discussed the emotional aspects of early in the entertainment industry, including the rapid passage of time with young children and the realities of co-parenting while maintaining a public schedule. By 2025, Hedges co-hosted the Parenting Helpline podcast, where she shared experiences as a of a toddler to support other parents navigating similar stages. This work briefly connects her life to broader parental , drawing from her own journey with Summer Rose.

Health and advocacy

In October 2025, Charlie Hedges openly discussed her postpartum pelvic health challenges on , sharing a personal that asked followers about similar experiences after and questions on returning to exercise, thereby fostering dialogue on a topic often stigmatized among new mothers. This public disclosure highlighted the physical and emotional impacts of such issues, drawing from her recent transition into motherhood to encourage others to seek support and normalize conversations around women's postpartum recovery. As an advocate, Hedges has served as an ambassador for since the early 2010s, participating in events and workshops to empower disadvantaged young people through , , and initiatives in the UK. She has also contributed to charitable efforts for , supporting individuals with learning disabilities, and , aiding wounded military veterans in their rehabilitation and societal reintegration. These roles reflect her commitment to broader social causes, extending beyond her media career to promote resilience and opportunity for vulnerable groups. Hedges' personal interests in female boxing and further underscore her alignment with female empowerment, as she has cited these passions as sources of inspiration for strength and self-expression in women's lives.

References

  1. [1]
    https://vlpevents.co.uk/act/charlie-hedges/
  2. [2]
    Meet Ray BLK and Charlie Hedges - Backstage with Bitesize at BBC ...
    Charlie became the UK's youngest ever breakfast DJ on KISS, where she worked for a record-breaking fifteen years. She can currently be heard on Radio 1, hosting ...
  3. [3]
    Station to Station: Part Twenty-One: Charlie Hedges (BBC Radio 1)
    Nov 6, 2021 · She became the UK's youngest ever breakfast DJ and was there for a recording-breaking fifteen years, pulling in the station's highest ever reach ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Who is BBC Radio 1 presenter Charlie Hedges? - The Sun
    Mar 8, 2022 · Charlie, 35, was born in London on July 18, 1986. She is a DJ and radio presenter known for hosting Radio 1.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Charlie Hedges - Book - Active Talent Agency - Active Talent Agency
    Charlie Hedges – The host of the UK's biggest Dance Show BBC Radio 1's Dance Anthems every Saturday 4-7pm. Bringing her passion and enthusiasm for dance music.
  6. [6]
    DJ CHARLIE HEDGES PLAYS ESSEX UNIVERSITY | Gazette
    Sep 28, 2015 · Charlie Hedges, who was born and brought up in Rainham, is the youngest female breakfast DJ in the UK and one of the most listened to voices ...
  7. [7]
    Interview: KISS FM presenter Charlie Hedges - FLAVOURMAG
    Jul 28, 2012 · Charlie Hedges is from Essex and currently presents KISS FM's weekday Breakfast Show with Rickie and Melvin catching up with celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, ...
  8. [8]
    Charlie Hedges Interview - Student Pocket Guide
    Hey guys, I'm Charlie Hedges – a 5ft music-devoted girl who loves nothing more than to come to a club and go crazy playing house music! So, you're about to ...
  9. [9]
    Charlie Hedges - DMC World Magazine
    Mar 28, 2012 · Born and bred in Dagenham, what were the clubs and DJs that you were into back in the day… “Haha oh nooooo!! Well I used to go to college in ...Missing: family background
  10. [10]
    Charlie Hedges DJ Spotlight Interview - The LDN Diaries
    Apr 17, 2014 · How did you first get into Djing? Literally taught myself to DJ, a guy I knew at the time had a set of decks in his house so when he was out I'd ...Missing: early self
  11. [11]
    Now THIS Is What We Call Work Ethic... | Marie Claire UK
    Apr 8, 2016 · Charlie Hedges co-presents the breakfast show on Kiss FM, DJs in ... By the time I´d graduated I'd started saying a few words on air ...
  12. [12]
    Kiss Breakfast team to join Radio 1 for late show
    Nov 26, 2018 · They later moved to the weekday breakfast show with Charlie joining them in 2009. Rickie, Melvin and Charlie say: “We're so excited to be ...
  13. [13]
    https://www.dmcworld.net/uncategorized/charlie-hedges/
  14. [14]
    https://inews.co.uk/essentials/kiss-fms-breakfast-crew-rickie-melvin-charlie-not-ready-lie-10-years-94449
  15. [15]
    My London: DJ and Radio Presenter Charlie Hedges -
    Apr 8, 2014 · KISS FM's Charlie Hedges is the youngest female breakfast presenter/DJ in the UK. Charlie has also recently landed her third show with Kiss – Friday nights.
  16. [16]
    Rickie, Melvin and Charlie leave Kiss to replace Charlie Sloth ... - BBC
    Nov 26, 2018 · DJs Rickie, Melvin and Charlie will take over from Charlie Sloth to host the late evening show on Radio 1, the BBC has confirmed.Missing: 2014 | Show results with:2014
  17. [17]
    Rickie Haywood-Williams on reason he moved to BBC from Kiss FM
    Jan 12, 2022 · Rickie Haywood-Williams has spoken exclusively to Express.co.uk about why he and co-hosts Melvin Odoom and Charlie Hedges decided to make a move away from Kiss ...
  18. [18]
    BBC Radio 1Xtra and Radio 1 announce new shows for Reece ...
    Sep 23, 2020 · Reece Parkinson will become the new host of BBC Radio 1Xtra's Drivetime Show (Monday-Thursday, 4-7pm), while Charlie Hedges will take over BBC Radio 1's Dance ...Missing: roles | Show results with:roles
  19. [19]
    BBC Radio 1 - Radio 1's Dance Anthems
    **Summary of Radio 1's Dance Anthems History:**
  20. [20]
    Classic dance anthems with Charlie Hedges - BBC Radio 1
    Huuuge Track2Track Mix incoming this weekend, followed by all your fave classic anthems! With music from Pendulum, Jax Jones, and Kelli-Leigh.<|control11|><|separator|>
  21. [21]
    Major daytime schedule changes at BBC Radio 1
    Apr 20, 2021 · Monday – Wednesday. 10.30am – 1pm: Rickie, Melvin and Charlie · Thursdays. 10.30am – 1pm: Rickie, Melvin and Charlie · Fridays. 6pm – 8pm: Radio ...
  22. [22]
    2025: Charlie Hedges - Radio 1 Dance Weekend - BBC
    Charlie Hedges brings all the biggest classic and current dance anthems, live from the White Isle. 1 hour. Last on. Sat 2 Aug 2025 16:00. BBC Radio 1 & BBC ...
  23. [23]
    Radio 1's Classic Dance Anthems with Charlie Hedges - BBC
    Charlie is in for MistaJam to mix up Radio 1's biggest Dance Anthems. 1 hour. Last on. Sat 20 Jul 2019 16:00. BBC Radio 1. More episodes. Previous ...
  24. [24]
    Charlie Hedges - YouTube
    Charlie Hedges. @charliehedges. 523 subscribers•66 videos. More about this ... My set - Ministry of Sound Feb 15th 2013. 1.6K views. 12 years ago · 1:06 · My dj ...
  25. [25]
    Charlie Hedges - Facebook
    Charlie Hedges. 23397 likes · 8 talking about this. DJ Bookings & TV & Media: alex@shdbmanagement.com.
  26. [26]
    2025: Charlie Hedges - BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend
    Charlie Hedges is live on the Radio 1 Dance Stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool. Experience it via bbc.co.uk/portal
  27. [27]
    Radio 1's Big Weekend stage times and line-ups - BBC
    May 20, 2025 · 20:05- 20:45 - Dance Anthems with Charlie Hedges. 20:45-21:45 - Tom Grennan. Radio 1 New Music Stage. 16:05-16:45 - D.O.D.. 16:45-17:30 - Barry ...
  28. [28]
    BBC Radio 1 - 2025: Charlie Hedges—Dance Anthems Ibiza
    Charlie Hedges brings all the biggest classic and current dance anthems, live from the White Isle. 1 hour. Last on. Sat 2 Aug 2025 17:00. BBC ...
  29. [29]
    Radio 1 Anthems Live - Event information - BBC
    Sep 16, 2025 · Alongside special performances from Tinie Tempah and Pixie Lott we'll have a Radio 1 Dance Anthems set from Charlie Hedges ... Copyright © 2025 ...
  30. [30]
    Busted, Tinie Tempah and Pixie Lott announced for Radio 1 ... - BBC
    Sep 16, 2025 · The night will also feature two special DJ sets from Radio 1's Charlie Hedges, with a Dance Anthems mix, and Dean McCullough, with a Pop Anthems ...
  31. [31]
    Charlie Hedges - SoundCloud
    Play Charlie Hedges on SoundCloud and discover followers on SoundCloud | Stream tracks, albums, playlists on desktop and mobile.
  32. [32]
    https://soundcloud.com/charlie-hedges/charlie-hedges-feat-bayku-hit
  33. [33]
    Dance Anthem Queen Charlie Hedges Drops High Octane New Single
    Jul 1, 2024 · BBC Radio 1 dance show host and DJ, Charlie Hedges, returns to London's hit-making label, Perfect Havoc, with the high-octane new single, 'Lost ...
  34. [34]
    Charlie Hedges - Songs, Events and Music Stats | Viberate.com
    SUB-X, Charlie Hedges, Eddie Craig. Released on Mar 25, 2022. Viberate Analytics. Charlie Hedges's SoundCloud Songs. 0 streams last week. 4 streams last week ...
  35. [35]
    Stream House Of Charlie by Charlie Hedges - SoundCloud
    Mar 28, 2021 · Stream House Of Charlie by Charlie Hedges on desktop and mobile. Play over 320 million tracks for free on SoundCloud.Missing: early self production
  36. [36]
    Radio 1 star Charlie Hedges gives birth to a baby girl named Summer
    Aug 17, 2022 · After her announcement on air, Charlie shared a sweet Insta snap of her baby girl, with her and her partner Lee holding hands with the newborn.Missing: boyfriend | Show results with:boyfriend
  37. [37]
    Charlie Hedges announces she's pregnant live on Radio 1 to Greg ...
    Mar 8, 2022 · Charlie Hedges announced she was pregnant live on air on Tuesday, to the surprise of Greg James and listeners at home.
  38. [38]
    Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges gives birth to baby girl with name ...
    Aug 17, 2022 · BBC Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges has welcomed a baby daughter and has revealed her adorable name in a sweet post on Instagram.Missing: mother | Show results with:mother
  39. [39]
    I cried when I went back to work 7 weeks after giving birth but I knew ...
    SEVEN weeks after welcoming my baby daughter into the world, I had a little cry leaving the house for my first day back at work. I missed Summer-Rose tonnes ...
  40. [40]
    Geordie Shore star 'scared of going to bed' after having first baby
    Jun 6, 2025 · Charlie, whose daughter Summer Rose will be three in August, is proud that she and Holly have shared their own experiences as mums of toddlers ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  41. [41]
    Child, Presenting... Parenting Helpline - BBC Radio 4
    Jun 16, 2025 · Reality star Holly Hagan-Blyth and Radio 1's Charlie Hedges take calls and get expert parental advice. From CBeebies Parenting, the BBC's destination for all ...
  42. [42]
    Question for you… Do you/have you had any pelvic health related ...
    Oct 16, 2025 · ... pelvic health related problems since having a baby? Or do you ... Photo by Charlie Hedges on October 30, 2025. May be an image of one.Missing: challenges | Show results with:challenges
  43. [43]
    Charlie Hedges - Awakenings Festival
    having graduated with a BA (Hons) in Journalism and I'm now a proud Ambassador for the Prince's Trust. I have presented my own online TV series at totalkiss ...
  44. [44]
    Charlie Hedges — ADE
    On top of all this, Charlie is an ambassador for The Prince's Trust and undertakes charity work for Mencap and Help for Heroes. Read more. Social. Fb · Tw · Sc ...
  45. [45]
    GET TO KNOW : Charlie Hedges - HEY GIRL MAGAZINE
    With 5.6 million weekly listeners tuning in, Charlie Hedges brings unstoppable energy as the co-presenter of the Sony Award-winning Kiss FM Breakfast Show.<|control11|><|separator|>