Susie O'Neill bids emotional farewell after 10 years at Nova

In Australia, Susie O'Neill delivered a heartfelt farewell last Thursday as she hosted her last episode of Nova's Brisbane breakfast show, Ash, Luttsy & Susie, after more than a decade with the station. The Olympic swimmer turned presenter became visibly emotional during the live broadcast, which took place at a special riverside venue. O'Neill shared her feelings with her colleagues, stating how much she would miss them and reflected on the bittersweet nature of her departure. Her resignation comes after she announced her intention to step away from the breakfast show to focus on grassroots sports and community involvement, emphasizing that the decision was not made lightly. O'Neill's time at Nova began in 2013, and she quickly became a well-known figure in the Brisbane media landscape, initially joining as a sportscaster before becoming a co-host. In her final messages, she praised her co-hosts, Ash Bradnam and David Lutteral, for their support throughout her career, indicating a close-knit relationship developed over the years. O'Neill mentioned that, although she is leaving the breakfast show, she plans to remain connected to the Nova family and has exciting projects planned for the future, hinting at further involvement with the network in a different capacity. The announcement of her departure was met with surprise and sadness from her fans and colleagues alike, as she mentioned the emotional weight of saying goodbye. Following O'Neill's exit, Nova revealed that controversial comedian Nikki Osborne will join the breakfast team in 2025 alongside Bradnam and Lutteral in a new show titled Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne. Osborne acknowledged the challenges ahead, referencing O'Neill's impressive legacy in the swimming pool and expressing confidence in her ability to engage Brisbane audiences. This transition marks a significant change for the breakfast program as it adjusts to a new host dynamic, paving the way for Osborne to fill the 'big flippers' left behind by O'Neill. This farewell episode and subsequent transition represent not only the end of an era for O'Neill but also a new beginning for both her and the Nova breakfast show. The emotional responses from listeners and colleagues highlight O'Neill's impact on the audience and the strong connection built through her years on air. As she embarks on her new journey, it remains to be seen how her absence will affect the show moving forward and what the future holds for both her and the Nova team.