History of Tim Westwood in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 10, 2025

Tim Westwood is a British DJ and presenter prominent in the hip-hop scene for over 30 years. Known for hosting Radio 1's rap show and MTV UK's Pimp My Ride UK, his influence has significantly impacted emerging artists. After nearly two decades, he departed from Radio 1 and 1Xtra in 2013, subsequently joining Capital Radio. Westwood's career highlights his long-standing presence and impact within the music and entertainment industries, particularly in promoting hip-hop and urban culture in the UK.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

October 1957: Timothy Westwood Born

In October 1957, Timothy Westwood, the British DJ and presenter known as Westwood, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1983: Allegations of Offences Against Seven Women

In October 2025, Tim Westwood was charged with multiple offences, relating to alleged offences against seven women between 1983 and 2016.

1987: Creates BBC Open Space documentary "Bad Meaning Good"

In 1987, Tim Westwood created and presented the BBC Open Space documentary "Bad Meaning Good."

1987: Joins Capital FM

In 1987, Tim Westwood started working at Capital FM.

1992: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

In April 2022, an investigation revealed allegations of sexual misconduct between 1992 and 2017.

1994: Moves to BBC Radio 1

In 1994, Tim Westwood moved to BBC Radio 1 to host its new rap show, which launched with a live concert featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy.

July 1999: Westwood Injured in Drive-By Shooting

On July 18, 1999, Tim Westwood was injured in a drive-by shooting in Kennington, south London, following his performance at the Lambeth Country Show in Brockwell Park. Gunmen on a motorbike shot him and his assistant, allegedly due to threats related to his shows in the neighborhood.

2000: MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ

In 2000, Tim Westwood won the MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ.

2000: Claims of Age Discrepancy

In 2000, at the age of 43, Tim Westwood insisted he was 27 to a Guardian journalist. He was also accused of misrepresenting his background.

2003: MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ

In 2003, Tim Westwood won the MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ and was nominated for Sony Radio's Music Broadcaster of the Year award.

2003: Biggest-Selling British Urban Album

In 2003, Tim Westwood's "The Platinum Edition" compilation album became the biggest-selling British urban album of all time upon its release.

2004: Patron of Feltham Young Offenders' Institution Radio

As of 2004, Tim Westwood became a patron of the internal radio station at Feltham Young Offenders' Institution in west London.

2005: Hosts Pimp My Ride UK

In 2005, Tim Westwood began hosting the MTV series Pimp My Ride UK.

2005: MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ

In 2005, Tim Westwood won the MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ.

January 2006: Pimp Madonna's Ride Filmed in London

In January 2006, the music video for Madonna's single "Sorry" was filmed in London. The video featured a van with a pimped interior. The filming was connected to a "Pimp My Ride UK" episode called "Pimp Madonna's Ride".

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February 2006: "Pimp Madonna's Ride" Aired on MTV

On Sunday, February 19, 2006, a special episode of "Pimp My Ride UK" called "Pimp Madonna's Ride" aired on MTV, the eve of the release of Madonna's single "Sorry". The interior of a van was customized for the single's music video.

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June 2006: Accusations of Encouraging Crime

On June 6, 2006, Tim Westwood's Radio 1 show was accused by David Cameron, then Leader of the Opposition, of encouraging knife and gun crime. Radio 1 controller Andy Parfitt refuted the claims.

2006: Nominated for Sony Radio Award

In 2006, Tim Westwood was nominated for Sony Radio's Music Broadcaster of the Year award.

2007: Pimp My Ride UK Ends

In 2007, Pimp My Ride UK, hosted by Tim Westwood, concluded after running for three seasons.

2007: MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ

In 2007, Tim Westwood won the MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ.

2008: MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ

In 2008, Tim Westwood won the MOBO Award for Best Radio DJ.

September 2009: Hosts Weekday Drivetime Show for Radio 1Xtra

In September 2009, Tim Westwood began hosting the weekday drivetime show for Radio 1Xtra.

2010: Radio Academy John Peel Award

In 2010, Tim Westwood won the Radio Academy John Peel Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

September 2012: Replaced by Charlie Sloth

In September 2012, Tim Westwood was replaced by Charlie Sloth on the Radio 1Xtra drivetime show, but continued his Saturday night Rap Show.

July 2013: Leaves the BBC

On July 26, 2013, it was announced that Tim Westwood would be leaving the BBC after nearly twenty years, as part of planned schedule changes.

2013: Leaves BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, returns to Capital Radio

In 2013, Tim Westwood departed from BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra after nearly 20 years and went back to Capital Radio.

2016: Legacy Award at GRM Daily Rated Awards

In 2016, Tim Westwood won the Legacy Award at the GRM Daily Rated Awards.

2016: Allegations of Offences Against Seven Women

In October 2025, Tim Westwood was charged with multiple offences, relating to alleged offences against seven women between 1983 and 2016.

2017: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

In April 2022, an investigation revealed allegations of sexual misconduct between 1992 and 2017.

July 2020: Criticism for Failing to Investigate Allegations

In July 2020, Global Media & Entertainment, parent company of Capital Xtra, faced criticism for not investigating allegations of inappropriate behavior by Tim Westwood with young female fans, which Westwood denied.

April 2022: Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Stepping Down

In April 2022, following a BBC News and The Guardian investigation, Tim Westwood was accused of sexual misconduct by seven women, spanning from 1992 to 2017. He denied the allegations, but stepped down from his show until further notice.

July 2022: The Sunday Times Reports Allegations by Seventeen Women

In July 2022, The Sunday Times reported that seventeen women had made allegations against Tim Westwood, including an allegation of sexual activity with a fourteen-year-old.

July 2022: BBC Said to Have Received Complaints

In July 2022, following a Freedom of Information request, the BBC stated it had received six complaints about Tim Westwood and had referred one to the police.

July 2022: Davie Describes Allegations as "Shocking"

In July 2022, the BBC director general, Tim Davie, described the allegations against Tim Westwood as "shocking".

August 2022: Metropolitan Police Investigates Allegations

In August 2022, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they were investigating allegations of sexual offences against Tim Westwood.

2022: Described as Influential Hip-Hop Veteran

In 2022, The Guardian described Tim Westwood as a hip-hop veteran whose opinions have been able to make or break upcoming artists for over 30 years.

November 2024: Evidence Submitted to Crown Prosecution Service

In November 2024, the Metropolitan Police submitted collected evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges against Tim Westwood.

February 2025: Report Published

In February 2025, the report was published and included 22 allegations.

October 2025: Charged with Multiple Offences

In October 2025, Tim Westwood was charged with four counts of rape, nine counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, relating to alleged offences against seven women.