Nikki Osborne reveals how she lost out on becoming a TV weather presenter

Nova’s Nikki Osborne says she came dangerously close to landing a major role on Aussie TV, until everything fell apart at the last second and she blames Eddie McGuire.

Nikki Osborne says she came dangerously close to becoming a weather presenter on Nine and Seven. Photo: NOVA

Comedian and radio host Nikki Osborne has revealed she came close to becoming a familiar face on the nation’s TV screens, not as a comedian, but as a prime-time weather presenter.

During a segment on Nova 106.9’s Ash, Luttsy & Nikki breakfast show on Thursday morning, Osborne revealed that she once auditioned for both Channel 9 and Channel 7’s coveted weather presenter roles, making it through the final stages of consideration before the opportunities ultimately fell through.

“I did test for weather several times,” Osborne said.

“Channel 9—Giaan Rooney got the job in the end because Eddie McGuire said I was too much of a liability on live television.”

Nova 106.9's breakfast host Nikki Osborne. Photo: NOVA

The revelation prompted surprise from her co-hosts, with David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral asking: “Eddie McGuire said that to your face?”

“And I went, ‘Yeah, I know’,” Osborne replied, agreeing with the assessment.

She went on to explain that a similar opportunity at Channel 7 was also within reach before a sudden change in newsroom leadership altered the outcome.

“Channel 7 nearly took me on, and I was actually going to get the job, but then the head of news who was going to give it to me got walked out that day,” she said.

“Then Jane Bunn took over.”

The candid admission came after co-host Mitch Lewis wrapped his regular weather update, prompting Osborne to reflect on the sliding doors moment in her career.