Grace Keeling, better known as GK Barry, is stepping into a new role this summer—hosting her very own weekend show on BBC Radio 1 throughout July. Known for her rise from TikTok fame and I'm A Celebrity appearances, the 25-year-old influencer will be on air every Saturday and Sunday from 1–4pm starting July 4.
"This is completely different from podcasting," she told MailOnline. "I'm really excited to be presenting my own show with BBC Radio 1 this summer… I'm always listening to the radio when I travel, so I can't wait to interact with the listeners and get them involved in all the fun."
The BBC has teased that GK will be joined by "special guests" throughout her run, offering fans a new side to the digital star. Meanwhile, fellow celebrity Jamie Laing is also returning to the airwaves - this time alongside his wife, Sophie Habboo, who'll co-host while his usual presenters are on maternity leave.
Away from her growing media career, GK has spoken candidly about her childhood in the British Virgin Islands and her difficult transition back to the UK. Born Grace Keeling, she spent her early years in Tortola with her mother Loretta and stepfather Andrew, whom she considers her dad.
"From as young as I can remember, I was in Tortola and I was one of the only white girls," she shared on the Loose Women podcast. "All the aunties were doing my hair… little cornrows… I never saw anything different about that."
She described her school life there as racially diverse and inclusive. "There were so many different races... I was friends with everyone. I had an incredible time."
But the move to Cambridge at age eight was a harsh contrast. "We moved back to a predominantly white, small town, and I had a Caribbean accent," she said. "Now Jane, I don't know if you've ever gone into a small town with a Caribbean accent and be white, but it's vicious."
Struggling to connect with her peers, she recalled, "Most people couldn't wrap their head around [it at school]... I'm talking about my life and people had no clue what I was on about."
She also remembered the racism her stepfather endured. "My dad was getting a lot of hate at the time… so it was sort of just like, 'I don't really know where we all stand here'." Host Jane Moore clarified, "This is your stepdad, but he's your dad," to which GK agreed.
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