Did Carrie Bickmore leave The Project to focus on her radio show? It’s anyone’s guess

In radio’s game of musical microphones, will Carrie Bickmore and co-host Tommy Little also make a major move with their drivetime show? It’s anyone’s guess.

Kate Ritchie announced she was taking a break from her Nova drive show with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey. Picture: Supplied

The phones are ringing off the hook and the spin gaining momentum.

Welcome to radio’s musical microphones and trade talks, where everyone wants in on a slice of the action, or at least to look like they are.

With the shock announcement on Friday of Nova’s breakfast radio show Chrissie, Sam and Brownie calling quits after seven years, comes the players hoping to cash in on the action.

Nothing screams of getting some more sugar to a contract deal in radio land than a whisper of the ol’ “I’ve already been approached by…”.

Better yet when the speculation is printed.

But every seven or so years our airwaves get the itch and start to shake things up.

First came the news Carrie Bickmore was leaving The Project after 13 years.

Chrissie, Sam & Browny have announced they’re calling time on their Nova breakfast show.

Could Chrissie Swan take Carrie Bickmore’s spot on The Project while she focuses on her radio show with Tommy Little? Picture: Tony Gough

Working two full-time jobs as co-host of Ten’s The Project and Hit Network’s drive show Carrie & Tommy, it’s understood something had to give.

It’s no secret prerecording some of the drive show at Ten’s studios in South Yarra amid preparing for The Project, or in a granny flat out the back of Bickmore’s home, wasn’t seen as ideal by SCA executives coming out of Covid.

SCA wanted their star girl to themselves.

Next came news Kate Ritchie, 43, was taking a break from her Nova drive show with Joel Creasey and Tim Blackwell following a “hectic” year which involved the Australia’s Got Talent judge getting nabbed just over the legal drinking limit in August.

Many were quick to speculate Swan might join her I’m A Celebrity bestie Joel Creasey who records the Nova drive show from Melbourne.

Nova was predictably playing a straight bat, saying Ritchie was expected to return in the new year, with Swan’s next venture also to be announced in due time.

Others speculated Swan might take on Bickmore’s seat at The Project after filling in for her during her recent European sabbatical.

Although The Project insiders were quick to whisper they are looking for talent with a journalistic background.

Or could Carrie & Tommy jump ship? Again nothing should surprise the head hunting, scheming and speculation that goes on behind the airwaves when contract negotiations are in the works.

Keeping up?

One thing for sure is after seven successful years Chrissie Swan, Sam Pang and Jonathan Brown will go to air on Nova with their final show on December 2.