Nikki Osborne opens up on diagnosis that forced her to quit Nova radio show: ‘Devastated’
A radio star has announced live on air she is quitting just one year into her gig after a “persistent pain” turned into a scary diagnosis.
Nikki Osborne has announced her shock departure from Nova 106.9, the second host to exit the top-rated breakfast radio show in a week.
The former model told listeners on Friday morning she will not return in 2026, explaining how she struggled with the long daily commute on the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway, juggling family life, and that she had been given an opportunity she could not pass up.
“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,” an emotional Osborne explained.
Bush Barbie is her online alter ego. She creates videos on YouTube, which have amassed tens of millions of views, tackling “hot topics”.
MORE: Aussie radio stars’ secret millions exposed
Never miss the latest entertainment news from Australia and around the world — download the news.com.au app direct to your phone.
However, one of the main reasons the 44-year-old quit was due to a terrifying diagnosis, which she also explained to listeners.
“Brisbane, I will not be returning to Brisbane breakfast next year. I really tried to make it work. I really did,” Osborne said on Friday through tears.
“I had a flash point earlier this year. I had a very sore mouth when I started this job, and it kept getting worse and worse, and then I was diagnosed with a tumour.
“And old manky mouth gave me quite the fright. I played it down on air, but it kind of scared the life out of me … should I say it scared the life into me because I realised life is very short and you can’t put off your dreams.”
Friday’s announcements came exactly one week after Ash Bradnam, who’d been a part of Nova Brisbane for 20 years, tearfully announced on air that he had been let go by the station. The broadcaster made it clear it was not his choice to leave, saying, “brekky radio is a brutal business and I think just a cold-hearted blindsiding completes the full experience for me.”
Writing a column in the Herald Sun on Friday, Osborne said she was enjoying her new venture in radio while also still being able to keep creating content.
But in the background, she noticed a “persistent pain” in her gums.
“My body was clearly in protest at my ‘talking’ so much and the constant ‘jet lag’ and found the best way it could to stop me. And it worked,” the mother-of-two wrote.
“After surgery, my specialist sat me down and said: Something’s gotta give. I was devastated. The next morning I showed up to work and did the unthinkable: cried on air, gross, because I knew I was going to have to give something I love up.”
MORE: Departing radio stars’ empires revealed
She was torn between chasing her long dream of growing her Bush Barbie series or staying put in the new role that she adored.
In the end, the comedian decided to sacrifice radio.
Osborne jumped on a plane and flew to meet one of the Nova bosses in Sydney, explaining how “the hours are too prohibitive on my dreams”.
It would be only two weeks later when a producer contacted her and asked if she was interested in shooting a series of Bush Barbie in the United States.
She jumped at the opportunity, but little did she know, Nova was trying to win her back and created a role to fit her schedule.
It would allow her to chase her overseas dreams, present her national radio show, have a video podcast, and create content for the radio network.
Despite the generous offer, Osborne decided it was best to stick with her decision.
Two NOVA stars exit
Industry rumours also suggest the comedian had clashed off-air with her two co-hosts, David “Luttsy” Lutteral and Ash Bradnam.
Bradnam last Friday announced he was also suddenly departing from the Brisbane-based show after 20 years in an emotional statement.
“I’ve had the time of my life … I’ve loved this job … and I really feel like I’ve had the full brekkie radio experience. You know I’ve been stealing soft drinks from the street team for over a decade now,” said the star.
“I’ve sat in this chair every day for two decades … I’m going to miss working with you, Lutts. I love you. And to the listeners, thank you.
“I love radio. I’ve loved this job. I’ve absolutely loved sharing my mornings with you. So, thanks very much for listening, and thank you for 20 years.”
It is understood he was fired from the show, a decision that has infuriated listeners.
The two high-profile departures come after 106.9 topped the breakfast ratings for a second consecutive time in Brisbane on 13.2 per cent audience share in the penultimate survey of 2025.
Nova also announced its new line-up on Friday morning.
Osborne will be replaced by Australian swimming legend Susie O’Neill, who returned after stepping down in 2024 for personal reasons and to pursue other goals.
While Bradnam’s role will be filled by Nick Allen-Ducat, who resigned from Hit Network’s Jess & Ducko breakfast program last month.
O’Neill said she is excited to return to the show after taking some time off to work on other projects with NOVA.
“I’ve really missed the energy of live radio, and I’ve definitely missed connecting with listeners. I’ve always believed early mornings are the best time of day, and I can’t wait to be back on air in Brisbane with Nova Breakfast,” she said.
Osborne will remain with NOVA to work on some “exciting projects”.
Her final show will be on December 12.
Originally published as Nikki Osborne opens up on diagnosis that forced her to quit Nova radio show: ‘Devastated’
Thomas Markle rushed to hospital, ‘loses leg’
