Nova announces beloved radio star’s replacement

Susie O’Neill broke down in tears last month when she announced she was leaving Nova. Now her replacement has been revealed.

A popular comedian is set to replace Susie O’Neill on the Nova Brisbane breakfast show, after the Olympic champ announced she was hanging up her headphones.

Nikki Osborne will join longtime hosts Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral on Nova 106.9 breakfast from January 20 next year.

Osborne is a veteran of the Aussie showbiz industry. An accomplished stand-up performer, she’s also appeared in a number of TV shows including How To Stay Married, Kinne Tonight, I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here (in 2020) and Dancing with the Stars (2024).

Nikki farewelling the jungle.

Nikki Osborne is joining Nova breakfast.

“I have big flippers to fill but I’m confident Brisbane will warm to my ways,” Osborne said. “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!

“I love Brisbane. I grew up here and I look forward to having a good laugh with our listeners in this amazing city,” the mum of two said.

Nikki Osborne is joining the Nova 106.9 breakfast show.

Osborne will fill the void left by O’Neill, who broke down in tears last month when she announced that she had decided to leave the breakfast show after more than a decade on air.

“For a lot of the time it has been more than just a job,” an emotional O’Neill said at the time.

“I actually do have some hard times in my life, even though it seems like I live a pretty good life, but when I’ve had really hard times I’ve known that I can come in here, just be myself and be present and enjoy it.”

Ash Bradnam, Susie O'Neill and David Lutteral.

O’Neill said it was hard for her to articulate exactly why she had decided to leave.

“I think turning fifty last year I realised I’m at a whole new stage in my life. Our kids have grown up and I just feel the next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally,” she said.

“I feel like I want to get back to the grassroots of sport, and to involve myself more in the wider community.”

O’Neill’s last show will be Thursday, November 28.

Originally published as Nova announces beloved radio star’s replacement