Dean McCullough, who spent six years as a presenter on BBC Radio 1, has publicly addressed his recent departure from the station and discussed the mental health challenges he faced during his tenure. Speaking for the first time since leaving the broadcaster, McCullough shared his experiences at the Attitude Awards held on Wednesday at The Roundhouse in London.

McCullough described a difficult period following his participation in the 2024 series of the reality show I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, saying he did not receive sufficient support from Radio 1 during that time. “When I came out of the jungle and was going through loads of issues, they weren’t there when I needed them," he said, indicating a lack of institutional backing during his struggles. Despite this, he expressed gratitude for his time at the station and reflected on his departure as a bittersweet transition. “It’s like going through a break-up. You had a great relationship, it was really fun and you had good times and bad times, but sometimes it’s better to move on,” he added.

In an effort to adjust his work circumstances, McCullough revealed that he had approached BBC management about relocating from Salford to London and potentially changing his show’s slot more than a year ago. However, he said logistical challenges made this unfeasible. “We’ve got a great relationship but we literally just couldn’t make it work,” he explained, also noting that Radio 1 was undergoing broader changes.

The presenter acknowledged feeling burnt out in the final phase of his tenure and indicated that his mental health had been under strain, attributing it not solely to his role at Radio 1 but to a combination of factors. Looking ahead, McCullough suggested he plans to remain active in broadcasting, mentioning plans for a new podcast and stating he will return to radio soon, but emphasized the necessity of a break at this stage.

McCullough also expressed enthusiasm for his growing role as an ambassador for the youth homelessness charity Centrepoint. He highlighted an upcoming campaign aimed at holding the government accountable, including meetings with political figures such as the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham. The presenter said his ability to openly share political views was constrained while at the BBC, an environment he implied limited such expressions.

Additionally, McCullough spoke positively about his experience on I’m A Celebrity and his friendship with Coleen Rooney, a fellow contestant in 2024. He discussed Rooney’s husband, former footballer Wayne Rooney, who is reportedly set to enter the next series, predicting that Wayne Rooney would perform well in the demanding trials. “You think you can handle the trials until you’re there,” McCullough remarked, referencing the challenges contestants face during the show.

Overall, McCullough’s comments offer insight into the pressures faced by presenters working within major broadcasting institutions, the personal toll of public life, and the evolving nature of his career following his departure from Radio 1.