The influential Irish tastemaker will leave her weeknight music show in July
She has undoubtedly become one of the most successful Irish radio broadcasters ever, but Annie Mac is hanging up her headphones - at least temporarily - after 17 years.
The Dublin native's weeknight music show on BBC Radio 1 has proven incredibly influential since debuting in March 2015, but she has been involved in various shows on the station since 2004.
She released a statement on Twitter this morning that explained her reasoning, saying "It's about time really. I need more time to see my kids in the evenings now they are both in school. I would like more time to write fiction and to create podcasts. I also love the idea of leaving the party (and make no mistake working at Radio 1 does feel like a party) with a huge smile on my face, when I'm still having the most fun I can have."
She added: "I will be coming back to radio broadcasting when the time is right."
In recent times, she has launched a new podcast called 'Changes' and will publish her debut novel 'Mother Mother' in May. She has also hosted Other Voices for RTE.
Read the full statement below: