The Scoop: Comedian Nikki Osborne rumoured to replace Susie O’Neill

It’s the biggest question in Brisbane’s cutthroat radio scene … who’ll take Susie O’Neill’s job at Nova next year? With two high-profile names already in the mix, an insider says a different personality is already locked in. THIS IS THE SCOOP

Susie O’Neill has announced she’s leaving her role at Nova in Brisbane. Picture: Nova

Big changes are coming to Nova’s top-rating Brisbane breakfast show, with sources revealing comedian Nikki Osborne, aka “Bush Barbie”, is set to replace Olympic legend Susie O’Neill. While Nova hasn’t officially announced the new co-host of Ash, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill, insiders claim Osborne is locked in to join the team in 2025.

Nikki Osborne. Picture Jay Town

Susie O'Neill. Picture: Tara Croser.

O’Neill announced on Friday that she’s stepping down at the end of the year.

According to sources, Osborne has all but secured the coveted radio spot, with one insider calling it “the industry’s worst kept secret.”

CHALMERS’ BOOZE BATTLE

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has opened up about his past struggles with alcohol, admitting he was once an “enthusiastic drinker” before a major health scare forced him to re-evaluate his lifestyle.

In an exclusive interview airing on 7News Spotlight, Chalmers detailed how a battle with skin cancer and the resulting infection led him to give up drinking for good.

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the state election campaign trail. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The Treasurer shared a more personal side of his life, revealing how his excessive drinking was his way of relieving the pressures of political life.

“It became the sort of the way that I would unwind and too frequently,” he said. “You get to a certain age where you realise you can’t do that forever. I’ve always had trouble pacing myself.”

After the Brisbane Broncos’ 2023 NRL semi-final win, Chalmers was handed a beer by legend Alfie Langer in the team rooms. Despite the intense temptation, Chalmers said, “I didn’t drink it … that’s the closest I’ve come.”

The interview airs this Sunday at 8.50pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.

AOC IN STEW OVER A ROO

Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Barron River candidate Peter Eicens has drawn the ire of the Australian Olympic Committee with his penchant for patriot flags – specifically, the iconic boxing kangaroo.

The ex-Cairns traffic cop said he did not realise he was infringing AOC copyright when he flew the roo ensign and an Aussie flag from one of his mobile trailers, parked at Smithfield on Friday.

“The AOC has not licenced use of the boxing kangaroo to Mr Eicens,’’ a spokesman said. “Appropriate action will be undertaken, given the AOC is politically neutral.”

Mr Eicens said he would take down the flag.

GATES OPEN FOR SUSHI 

Brisbane Japanese restaurant Sushi Room has allegedly attracted Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates as a guest of its special Australian Open pop-up eatery in Melbourne next year.

The luxe James St culinary haunt, owned by Simon Gloftis, will host a private, 12-seat omakase experience courtside at the country’s biggest tennis event this coming January.

Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates is set for a special sushi experience in Australia next week.

Gates is rumoured to be saddling up for the multi-course feast by chef Shimpei Raikuni served on Centre Court, paired with a six-hour drinks package, with access to a Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar.

Tickets start at $2000 per person and go up to a whopping $16,050 for the one-of-a-kind experience, which also includes a chauffeur from the event and a gift. It’s not yet known what day of the 13-day tournament the world’s seventh richest man will attend.

FLAN HITS THE HIGH SEAS

 Gold Coast radio star Sean Flanagan will hit the high seas next week with some of the biggest names in Aussie music as he embarks on his dream alternative career. Flan quit as a full-time 92.5 Triple M breakfast presenter in August to pursue other interests including music.

He’s the bass guitarist in a four-piece band called Sugar Game (pictured) which has scored a berth aboard the sold-out Rock The Boat cruise from Sydney to Cairns, setting sail on Wednesday. The group will be supporting acts including The Living End, Jon Stevens, Baby Animals, Screaming Jets, Dragon and Boom Crash Opera.

COMIC SLAMS INQUIRY

A TV presenter and comedian who lost his nephew in an army helicopter crash off the Whitsunday coast has slammed an inquiry into the disaster.

The MRH-90 Taipan helicopter plunged into the ocean near Hamilton Island in July last year, killing four soldiers.

Australian comedian Jim Jefferies.

An inquiry into the tragedy heard damning evidence from test pilot Major Ian Wilson who said he “knew with certainty this accident was going to happen” and told army officials they could face a case of industrial manslaughter.

TV presenter Jim Jefferies, host of The 1% Club and the late Lt Maxwell Nugent’s uncle, praised Major Wilson.

“Industrial manslaughter. I’d like to know why after 15 months it has taken this long for this information to come out,” he wrote on Instagram.

“We still haven’t heard the black box! We deserve more.”

EX_BIKIE BECOMES DAD

Infamous former Gold Coast bikie turned film star Chris Bloomfield has stepped into his “biggest role yet” – becoming a dad.

Bloomfield, a former Hells Angels bikie enforcer who spent time behind bars for a violent drug-related extortion, gave up the gangster life and reinvented himself as an actor.

Chris Bloomfield has announced the arrival of his daughter October Rose Bloomfield. Photo: Instagram.

He appeared alongside Chris Hemsworth in the latest Mad Max blockbuster, Furiosa, as well as featuring in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2.

The former Gold Coast Titans rising star took to social media this week to reveal he and his partner, Gigi Brown, had given birth to a daughter, October Rose.

“A love I’ve never felt before. Until today,” Bloomfield posted.

The baby was born in the UK, according to Bloomfield’s Instagram.

KAYLA BOYD’S LUXE BABY REVEAL

Former Broncos star Darius Boyd and wife Kayla Boyd have announced the arrival of their fourth child, a baby boy named Boston Shayne Boyd, born on October 10. Kayla shared the joyful news on social media, posting a heartwarming series of photos featuring the newborn. In one post, she wrote, “Our beautiful baby boy. You have completed our world! Hearts are so full.”

The announcement was met with an outpouring of love from notable names, including Broncos NRLW team captain Ali Brigginshaw, singer Amy Sheppard, and businesswoman Roxy Jacenko, who all congratulated the couple on their new addition.

Kayla Boyd and daughters Willow, Romi, and Mia, and baby Boston, all gathered on a stunning AU$2,755 Hermes Avalon III throw blanket. Photo: Instagram.

The Hermes Avalon III throw blanket retails for AU$2,755 according to the official Hermes website. Photo: https://www.hermes.com/au/

While Boston was the star of the photos, sharp-eyed fashion enthusiasts couldn’t help but notice a luxury detail in one particular image. In a family photo featuring Kayla, her daughters Willow, Romi, Mia, and newborn Boston, the family is seen sitting on a luxurious Hermes Avalon III throw blanket, valued at AU$2,755.

Made from a blend of Merinos wool and cashmere, the lavish blanket added a stylish touch to the hospital setting, a nod to Kayla’s well-known love for fashion and aesthetics.