Nova 106.9’s Nikki Osborne reveals tumour scare during raw on-air emotional spiral

Nova breakfast host Nikki Osborne has broken down on air after revealing her mouth tumour has returned, amid struggles juggling career demands and family life.

Nova Breakfast team Luttsy, Nikki Osborne and Ash. Picture Lachie Millard

Nova 106.9 breakfast co-host Nikki Osborne has broken down live on air, revealing the tumour in her mouth has grown back, triggering an emotional spiral over health worries, career pressures, and overwhelming “mum guilt”.

The comedian-turned-radio star grew visibly emotional during a candid segment on Tuesday morning, telling co-hosts Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral that a post-op follow-up appointment had delivered crushing news.

“While it’s a lot better, it’s growing back, which is bulls***,” she said through tears.

Though benign, the tumour was previously removed in May following a harrowing ordeal Osborne described in June as “a horror film”.

“I was a human blood fountain and they couldn’t stop it,” she said post-op.

Nikki Osborne reveals tumour in mouth has returned. Photo: Instagram.

Nikki Osborne reveals tumour in mouth has returned. Photo: Instagram.

This latest health setback proved emotionally overwhelming, with Osborne admitting it had triggered deeper anxieties and pressures she’d been quietly carrying.

“I just turned my phone off, sat on the couch with my family … and it all hit me,” she said.

Osborne, who commutes daily from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane for the Nova breakfast shift, said the constant juggle of parenting, commuting, and coping with health struggles had reached breaking point.

“We get so caught up creating this life we want for our kids, and sometimes we forget to be the person they need,” she said, expressing guilt over missing valuable family time due to her demanding schedule.

“I want to be there in the mornings, not just after school when they’re cranky.”

“It’s hard to do everything and have everything. Something always gives.”

Bradnam and Luttsy stepped in to comfort Osborne as she broke down, acknowledging her heavy emotional burden.

“You’ve got a lot on your plate, Nikki,” Bradnam said.

“You’re new to radio, you’re not a morning person, and your life is on the Sunny Coast.”

Despite her tears, Osborne managed to end the emotional segment with a touch of humour, telling listeners: “If you’re falling apart as well, if you feel like you’re being a crap parent, or not doing well enough in your career, don’t ring us … just try again.”