Nikki Osborne revealed as new Nova 106.9 Breakfast host

Qweekend columnist Nikki Osborne has been announced as the new co-host alongside Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral on Nova 106.9’s breakfast show.

Nikki Osborne with David Lutteral (left) and Ash Bradnam. Picture: Nova 106.9

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Brisbane-born entertainer Nikki Osborne has been officially unveiled as the new co-host of Nova 106.9’s breakfast show, stepping into the role vacated by Olympic swimming legend Susie O’Neill.

Starting January 20, the popular Qweekend columnist will join long-time hosts Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral on the newly rebranded Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne show.

The announcement follows O’Neill’s emotional departure in October after more than a decade behind the microphone.

“I have big flippers to fill,” Osborne said, acknowledging the legacy left by O’Neill.

“But I’m confident Brisbane will warm to my ways. Sure, I get in trouble a bit, but I’ve got two big brothers in Ash and Luttsy, and I have no doubt they’ll steer me even further off course!”

Bradnam delivered the news of Osborne’s appointment early on Wednesday.

“Suse isn’t going to be returning, but the show will roll on next year,” Bradnam said. “And now it’s time to introduce the newest member who’s going to be joining the team along with us next year. And we can say that it is Nikki Osborne.”

Osborne shared her excitement and congratulated her predecessor on her decade-long tenure with the show.

“Congratulations to Suse for putting up with you guys for a decade,” Osborne remarked.

O’Neill acknowledged the slight awkwardness of meeting her successor live on air.

“I kind of feel like the girlfriend that is leaving. I’m meeting the new girlfriend,” she admitted.

Osborne responded, relieved that O’Neill was departing on good terms.

“A little awkward, but at least you’re leaving on purpose. It’s a much nicer way for me to come in,” she said.

The two shared a lighthearted exchange as Osborne quizzed O’Neill to prepare for her first day in the studio.

“I’ve actually got a couple of questions for Susie. Firstly, which one’s your favourite, Ash or Luttsy?” she teased.

“It’s like picking your favourite child. You can’t answer that,” O’Neill replied.

“You do have one; text me later,” Osborne joked.

Queensland comedian Nikki Osbourne ahead of her new show

She also inquired about the practicalities of live radio. “And then the main question I have is, when the coffee hits and you’re mid-segment, what do you do?”

Anchor Chris Bezzina interjected, “Luttsy goes at seven o’clock every morning, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I go at 5:45, before the show starts,” O’Neill added.

Lutteral added, “There’s enough of us, Nikki, that you can sort of leave … I sometimes have breaks just sitting on the toilet. Sometimes I don’t even need to go, just to get away from it,” he joked.

Osborne wrapped up with a playful nod to the film Anchorman. “I just hope it’s not like I’m Veronica Corningstone and I turn up and everyone’s just like, ‘You’re not Ron,’” sh

Rumours of Osborne’s appointment swirled almost immediately after O’Neill tearfully announced her departure last month.

Industry insiders had dubbed it “the worst-kept secret,” with many tipping the comedian as the frontrunner for the coveted spot.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director Brendan Taylor welcomed the new addition. “We’re delighted to welcome Nikki to the Nova family … her infectious personality and comedic talent make her a perfect fit for the show. We know our listeners will love spending time with Ash, Luttsy, and Nikki in 2025.”

Osborne has long been a force in Australian comedy, making her mark over two decades as a talented sketch performer, writer, trained actor, and stand-up comedian.

More recently, Osborne has added columnist to her impressive résumé, joining Qweekend and News Corp Australia in March 2023.

Since joining last year, her pieces, including her viral “Mortgaged Up to My Tits” offering, have made her one of the publication’s most-read contributors. She will continue to write for the magazine.

Osborne’s knack for creating viral social media personas, including the hilariously brazen “Angry Aunt” and the irreverent “Bush Barbie,” has earned her a dedicated following and tens of millions of views, solidifying her as a digital sensation.

Her television credits are equally impressive.

Osborne has been a regular on Mick Molloy’s The Nation and Peter Helliar’s How to Stay Married, and narrated the AACTA-nominated Drunk History.

On stage, she has performed at iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House for Just for Laughs and brought her acclaimed stand-up show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023.

Nikki Osborne with Ash Bradnam (left) and David Lutteral. Picture: Nova 106.9