David ‘Hughesy’ Hughes reveals next career move after radio show axing

It’s been months since David Hughes was brutally let go from his hosting gig, and now, he’s revealed his new gig was a long time coming.

“I’m going to be honest here …”

David ‘Hughesy’ Hughes has opened up about his radio axing for the first time, with the comedian announcing his surprise new career move was a long time coming.

The Aussie media personality, 54, is one of the first celebrity contestants to be unveiled on this year’s season of Channel 10’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, which hits screens tonight.

He’ll join previously announced celebs, former Bach star Matty J and two-time Big Brother winner Reggie Sorensen, along with a host of yet-to-be-announced contestants.

Having worked with Ten for more than a decade, this marks Hughes’ first stint in the South African jungle, having knocked back the opportunity several times.

Why now?

“Because I’m not doing full-time radio this year or next year,” he told news.com.au in December.

“There’s room in the schedule, and I’ve always thought I would be good in the jungle. I love talking to people and I love hearing people’s stories, and I’m going to have plenty of time to do both in the jungle. I’ve always wanted to go in.”

Dave Hughes is set to star on this season’s I'm A Celebrity. Picture: Channel 10

Indeed, Hughes found himself with much more free time after he was dumped from his 2Day FM Sydney breakfast show along with Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan, the trio sent packing abruptly without farewelling listeners in August.

He’d enjoyed a decades-long stable career on the airwaves, having hosted 2Day FM since 2021, and prior to that, had great success with former co-host Kate Langbroek on-and-off for more than 20 years across various stations.

But, and looping back to his candid preface at the beginning of this article, the father-of-three conceded he no longer had a passion for the medium.

“Lifestyle wise, it was tricky,” he said, referencing his weekly commute from Melbourne to Sydney.

“I just don’t need it, if you know what I mean? I don’t need to be doing that or doing full-time radio. And look, it may never happen again, to be honest.

“The whole concept of radio is something I’m not probably that in love with. I don’t know if I need to do it again. The whole way that system operates, I don’t know if I could be bothered with it anymore to be honest.”

Hughesy, Ed and Erin’s show was axed in August.

Asked if the brutality of the industry played a part in his stance, Hughes took main issue with another factor.

“I don’t need to sit through the songs, more than anything,” he said.

“I don’t want to have to listen to any particular music format anymore. That’s a lot of time of your day sitting through songs that you’ve heard a million times.”

He didn’t rule out a reunion with Langbroek, though was open to the duo forging a partnership again on another format entirely.

“I’d be very happy to work with Kate again, I love working with Kate, but does it need to be on radio is the question,” he said.

Hughes could potentially be living for a month in the camp in the South African bush if he makes it to the end of I’m A Celeb.

A vegan, he feels better prepared than most to tackle the most challenging aspect – a lack of substantially meaty meals (beans and rice are the staple diet for campmates, unless they win challenges).

Further, Hughes is in the midst of a health overhaul, saying he’d lost five kilos over the past few weeks.

“I wanted to come into the jungle looking good,” he said.

“I’m already eating beans and rice … I’m a big fan of the beans.

“In saying that I’m not a militant vegan, if I have to eat bulls testicles so everyone else [in camp] can eat, I will.”

Hughes said he'd gone from 88kg to 82kg in recent weeks.

The comedian is confident he’ll be an expert in jungle living.

While he didn’t divulge his pay cheque for the show, Hughes offered it was a “reasonable” amount.

“I would pay to get away from my family,” he quipped.

Hughes will very quickly hit the ground running after leaving the jungle, set to kick off his national comedy tour WTF? at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in February.

“I love stand-up comedy so much, and I’m very happy to be in front of any audience,” he said.

“I really like people to come and see me live. That’s my thing. Come and see me live and it’s money back guarantee, basically.”

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! premieres January 19 at 7pm on Channel 10

Originally published as David ‘Hughesy’ Hughes reveals next career move after radio show axing