Perth-raised Nova radio presenter and comedian Joel Creasey has confirmed he will launch his own national lunchtime show on the network, scheduled to debut in April 2026. The announcement comes as part of a significant programming shake-up that will see Nova's top talent taking on opposing time slots across the country.
Major Network Reshuffle Announced
Following months of industry speculation, Nova Entertainment confirmed on Friday that its Sydney breakfast program Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie would be pulled from the morning slot. In a parallel move, the national drive show Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel will cease production, with co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Ricki-Lee Coulter moving to the Sydney breakfast slot while Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie transitions to afternoon programming.
Creasey's Solo Venture
Appearing in his regular guest spot on Perth's long-running Nathan, Nat & Shaun breakfast show, Creasey teased that a major announcement was imminent. Hours later, the comedian confirmed he was "going solo" after five years working alongside Blackwell and Coulter on the national drive program.
"I do love a bit of change, variety is the spice of life in my world," Creasey said during the announcement. "I guess the bosses figured the world is already on fire. Let's just pour more gasoline onto it and see what chaos people caught."
The 35-year-old, who records his shows in Melbourne despite his Perth upbringing, joked that his recent apartment renovation in Melbourne was a "giveaway" he would not be returning to Western Australia for the new program.
Network Leadership Backs New Direction
Nova Network's Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, credited Creasey for his significant impact on the success of Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel, which consistently held the number one position in its timeslot. "Joel has been instrumental to the success of Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel," Mr Taylor stated. "We're thrilled to announce this new show. Joel is an immensely talented broadcaster and comedian, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase his talents in an entirely new part of the day."
NOVA Entertainment CEO Peter Charlton labelled Creasey an "enormous talent" and said the lunchtime appointment highlighted "our commitment to great content for listeners and new commercial opportunities for brands."
Creasey's Personal Statement
In a statement released by the network, Creasey thanked his former co-stars while enthusiastically promoting his upcoming solo venture. "I'm doing a Ginger Spice and made the decision to go it solo! (I've waited over 20 years to say that!)," he declared, referencing the Spice Girls member known for leaving the group.
"It's been an utter joy to be a member of the national Drive program for the past five years, and an honour to play a part in such a legacy show," Creasey continued. "I've learnt so much from Tim and Ricki-Lee and am so excited for us and wish them all the best."
The comedian, who began his career working on Nova's street team in Perth before relocating to Melbourne, told listeners his new show would sound "very different" without his former sidekicks. "If you're familiar with my work, life, lunacy and sheer chaos that seems to follow me, strap in for a wild ride!" he promised.
Unresolved Questions Remain
Despite signalling a new era for Nova's programming, the network did not provide an update on the absence of Nathan Morris, who has not been regularly sighted on Perth's breakfast show for close to a year. The announcements follow Friday's news that Nine Radio, which operates stations including Sydney's 2GB, Melbourne's 3AW, Brisbane's 4BC and Perth's 6PR, has been sold for $56 million, indicating broader changes within the Australian radio industry.
Creasey's new program represents both a personal milestone for the comedian and a strategic shift for Nova Network as it repositions its talent across key dayparts in the competitive Australian radio market.
