Nova upheaval: Nikki Osborne quits breakfast show live on air, Susie O'Neill to return
Susie O’Neill is set to make a sensational return to Nova 106.9 breakfast after host Nikki Osborne quit just one week after another co-host’s axing, continuing a run of on-air shake-ups.
Nova 106.9 has been rocked by another on-air shake-up, with host Nikki Osborne quitting breakfast radio live on air this morning.
Her shock resignation comes just one week after co-host Ash Bradnam farewelled listeners following his reported axing.
Osborne, a Qweekend columnist who only joined the team in January, ended her brief tenure on Brisbane’s top-rating show amid reports of behind-the-scenes friction.
“Brisbane, I will not be returning to Brisbane breakfast next year,” an emotional Osborne told listeners.
“I really tried to make it work. I really did, but the commute, the Bruce Highway is a nightmare, like it’s taken me an hour and 40 to get in now.”
She explained the decision came down to several factors — the demanding commute, juggling family life, and, most excitingly, a major career opportunity in the United States to create her own series based on her character Bush Barbie.
“I am making my own Bush Barbie series in America next year, and I’m so pumped. And basically, you know, thanks to Robert Irwin, especially, Bush Barbie’s taking off, and America keeps knocking, and I can’t say no,” she said.
While the announcement blindsided fans, insiders claim Osborne’s exit was driven partly by mounting tension with co-hosts David “Luttsy” Lutteral and Bradnam.
The trio’s dynamic is understood to have become fractured in recent months.
Industry sources also indicated Osborne had found it increasingly difficult to juggle the punishing 3am alarm with family commitments and her national comedy career.
The back-to-back exits — Bradnam on November 28 and Osborne today — have intensified whispers of internal pressure and a broader Nova overhaul.
Bradnam’s farewell was particularly dramatic, with the long-time presenter confirming he had been fired after 20 years.
Despite the chaos, Nova Brisbane secured its second consecutive GfK Radio 360 survey win, topping the final ratings book of 2025 with a dominant 13.2 per cent share to finish the year as Brisbane’s top breakfast show.
Osborne also opened up about a health scare earlier this year that pushed her to reassess her priorities after being diagnosed with a tumour in her mouth.
“I had a very sore mouth when I started this job, and it kept getting worse and worse. And then I was diagnosed.”
She confirmed she had informed Nova back in July that she would not be returning in 2026, making Friday’s announcement a long time coming, but stressed this is not a farewell from the network, hinting at new national projects next year.
“I’m very pleased to say that to those who might actually be sad that I’m leaving Brisbane breakfast, don’t worry. You will hear me on the airwaves. Next year, I will be on some national shows,” she revealed.
Osborne closed by thanking co-hosts Ash and Luttsy for guiding her through the world of radio.
“I’ve grown really fond of you all. I’m really grateful to you [Luttsy] and Ash for teaching me how to do not just radio, but like, unapologetic, irreverent radio, I guess,” she said.
Her final show will be on December 12.
Shortly after Osborne’s departure was made public, and as predicted by The Courier-Mail, Nova announced former co-host Susie O’Neill would return to the program almost a year after leaving.
“I’m just really excited about it. I think it’s going to be really fun. I’ve missed connecting with the listeners. I’ve missed you know the energy of live radio,” O’Neill told listeners.
She revealed she’s also looking forward to returning to her signature segment, ‘Smarter than Suse’.
“Looking forward to doing Smarter than Suse again, I do like my trivia, so I’m looking forward to that,” she said.
O’Neill will be joined by Nick “Ducko” Allen-Ducat, who last month resigned from the Hit Network’s Jess & Ducko breakfast program in New South Wales.
Allen-Ducat will act as the second male co-host and panel operator.
“I grew up listening to you guys on Nova. I was working with you guys. Honestly, I’m pinching myself, but I get to do it with you guys, and get to do it on Nova. It’s like a homecoming, it feels right. And, yeah, I’m really pumped to start next year. It’s gonna be good fun,” Allen-Ducat told Lutteral on air.
Mitch Lewis, who anchored and panelled the Nova breakfast program throughout 2025, is understood to be stepping back from the desk next year to focus on expanded “Mitch on the Street” content.
Luttsy remains in his longstanding co-hosting role.
The Nick, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill show will take over from January 19.
Radio revolt: Brisbane brekky chaos after high-profile exits
