“My current Experimental show is in peak condition, it’s never been stronger. And although it’s a very emotional decision to leave the show that I love so much, it’s also an optimum moment to bow out, at the very top of my game.”

She has accepted a job teaching students at the University of Sheffield’s Union Of Students radio station.

Hobbs began her career as a journalist for Sounds Magazine, later writing for NME and Loaded magazine. Her transition to radio saw her working alongside Mark Lamarr at BBC GLR (now BBC London 94.4), following a brief stint at XFM before returning to the BBC to front the Radio 1 Rock Show and Breezeblock experimental show. This eventually became her flagship Experimental Show.

Mary Anne is seen as instrumental in promoting alternative electronic music, pioneering the likes of Burial, Skream and Flying Lotus alongside running her own stage at the annual Sonar Festival, Barcelona.

The trending topic #salutemaryannehobbs swiftly appeared on Twitter, with colleagues and industry figures expressing deep regret at her decision to step down. Annie Mac tweeted “Maryanne leaving Radio 1 is sad news for new music. She is the only reason why i have a career in radio today. Thanks for the music Maz x”.

Her final show will be broadcast September 9th 2-4am on bbc.co.uk/radio1/maryannehobbs