It’s like a celebrity version of musical chairs.
Last week, we learned that Jane Hall will be leaving her KIIS 101.1 FM show, Matt & Jane, next year.
Now, after days of speculation, the Australian Radio Network has confirmed Hall’s replacement — announcing that Meshel Laurie will be joining the breakfast show.
In an interesting twist, Chrissie Swan has announced she will join Nova as Laurie leaves the network.
Comedian and radio/TV personality Laurie, who’s currently working for Melbourne’s hit radio station Nova 100, will replace Jane Hall as an on-air partner to Tilley next year.
“As has been widely speculated this weekend, ARN are pleased to confirm that Meshel Laurie will be joining Matt Tilley as the new 2016 Breakfast host for KIIS 101.1 Melbourne,” the network said in a statement yesterday.
“Meshel fills the Breakfast co-host position with the departure of Jane Hall.”
Mother-of-two Laurie, who has been with Nova Entertainment since 2005, currently co-hosts Nova 100’s Melbourne breakfast radio show, Meshel & Tommy alongside comedian Tommy Little.
Predictably, some fans have taken to social media to express their surprise and disappointment at her departure from Nova.
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Twitter reactions
Others have questioned why Hall had to leave KIIS FM so soon, after only starting on Matt & Jane in January.
“Jane Hall has been dumped while the single mother is on holidays,” Page 13 remarked on the development.
It also suggested there had been “growing concern about the on and off-air frosty tension… between Hall and new breakfast co-host Matt Tilley.”
But the ARN told Mamamia it was Hall’s decision to leave KIIS.
“Jane is leaving on her own accord due to family and returning to acting and made the decision herself months ago,” it said.
“We’re sad to see Jane go but understand her choice on this and we also think you will love who’s going to be filling her shoes.”
Letting Hall leave isn’t the first controversial staffing choice KIIS has made in the last 12 months. The Melbourne station also dumped Chrissie Swan from The Chrissie and Jane Show in November last year, sparking public outrage.
In an interesting twist, Swan has now confirmed she will do a sort of switch, moving to Nova just as Laurie moves to KIIS FM.
“I have loved Nova since it first burst into Melbourne and it’s a dream come true,” she said in a statement.
“I’ve truly missed chatting to my beloved Melburnians on a daily basis and I can’t wait to get cracking in 2016.
“I’m back! And I could not be more excited.”
Nova Entertainment COO Louise Higgins said the company was “delighted” to have Swan on board.
“Chrissie’s relatable style and quick wit makes her the perfect choice for breakfast and will put us in a strong position for success in 2016,” Ms Higgins said.
“I would like to sincerely thank Meshel for her contribution to NOVA Entertainment. She’s a great broadcaster and we wish Meshel success for the next stage of her career.”
Phew. It’s getting so hard to keep up with the constant job-switches, we’re going to need a flow chart soon.
Congratulations, Meshel and Chrissie. We’re sure you’ll both ace your new roles.