Robbie Buck and Wendy Harmer no longer to host ABC Breakfast Sydney

Triple J legend Robbie Buck and comedian Wendy Harmer have stunned ABC Breakfast listeners this morning with an unexpected announcement.

Two of ABC radio’s most celebrated presenters, Robbie Buck and Wendy Harmer, have announced they’re stepping down from breakfast hosting duties after four years at the helm.

The pair have vowed to “go out on a high” for their last few shows until December 10th, with their replacements to be announced in the next fortnight.

While both said they felt the timing was right to call it quits, the announcement comes as a surprise given the show is currently the second most popular in Sydney’s competitive breakfast radio market.

Robbie Buck has been with the ABC for 25 years. Picture: Christian Gilles

Comedian and writer Wendy Harmer joined the breakfast team in late 2017. Picture: Supplied.

In the most recent radio survey, the program had even achieved its highest ratings in several years, but were still unable to beat 2GB’s Alan Jones and his successor Ben Fordham, and more recently, KIIS1065’s Kyle and Jackie “O” show.

Buck, 49, who has been with the ABC for 25 years, including 13 years at youth network triple j, revealed he would be taking time off to travel. While he said he’s been at the ABC for “more than half his life” didn’t close the door on working with the national broadcaster again in the future.

He said on air that the decision was made “quite a while ago”, adding that it was entirely theirs and they both felt that “the time was right” for a change.

Buck hinted he’d be returning to the ABC. Photo: Tim Pascoe

“I now plan to take a year away from the mic and see the world. It’s not goodbye to the ABC,” he added in a statement.

Reflecting on their time together in the studio, Buck mused that their popularity stemmed from their burgeoning friendship.

“We always enjoyed each others' company and I think that’s what’s made the partnership so good.”

Meanwhile, 65-year-old Harmer said she was taking the time to lend a hand to her adult son “who has a start-up on the boil”.

In her statement, she wrote: “I hadn’t worked with Robbie but the decision to put us together on brekkie turned out to be inspired.

“We’ve got to know each other at the same time as the audience and it has blossomed into a fabulous on-air partnership and a wonderful friendship too.”

Over on Twitter, Buck simply posted “Big day”, with fans flocking to express their devastation.

Big day.

— robbiebuck (@robbie_buck) September 30, 2021

“Understatement! Geez you blindsided all of Sydney with that announcement. Good on you Robbie. All the best for next year and your next adventure! Time to post some travel photos!,” said one.

“OMG what just happened? I started crying. I didn’t know I was so attached,” another listened said.

Another wrote: “Listened to you both every morning for years as I edged my way through Sydney morning traffic. You made the trip to work enjoyable. I submitted my resignation to retirement a month ago and was weighing up rising early to continue listening. I now won’t bother.”

Originally published as Robbie Buck and Wendy Harmer no longer to host ABC Breakfast Sydney