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Ed Kavalee permanently replaces Kate Langbroek, transforming Hughesy & Kate into Hughesy & Ed

The Hit Network’s drive-time show Hughesy & Kate will become Hughesy & Ed in 2020, with Ed Kavalee permanently replacing Kate Langbroek.

Langbroek had been touted as returning to Australia after more than a year living in Italy, but has decided to extend her stay for a further 12 months. Have You Been Paying Attention? star Kavalee – whose 2Day FM Sydney breakfast show Grant, Ed & Ash was axed in August – has been filling in for her, but will now permanently join comedian Dave Hughes in the slot.

The Hughesy & Kate show is no more, with Langbroek extending her stint living overseas

Despite no longer being a Hit Network mainstay, the company said Langbroek would “continue to be a regular part of the show as she has been this year”.

Next year, Hughesy & Ed will run from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays, with Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little’s earlier drive show extending by half an hour to run from 3pm to 5pm.

Head of Hit Network Gemma Fordham was enthusiastic about the change.

“I’m excited Ed Kavalee is a permanent addition to Drive in 2020 as he and Hughesy have a history and chemistry that is a joy to listen to,” Fordham said.

“We are all obsessed with Kate’s Italian adventure and are living vicariously through her. She will continue to keep us updated via the phone across the year. Our Drive double act of Carrie and Tommy and Hughesy and Ed is a sensational offering.”

In the latest GfK radio ratings survey, the duos held a 10.5% share in the drive-time slot in Melbourne, 5.3% in Sydney, and 11.6% in Brisbane.

Kavalee (left) is well-known for appearing on Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention?

As well as revealing Langbroek’s departure, the Hit Network confirmed Ash London Live will return in 2020, running for an additional hour from 7pm to 9pm on weekdays. The Danny Lakey Late Show will follow it, from 9pm to midnight, while Tom & Olly will feature from midnight to 3am. Finally, the pre-breakfast slot will see the return of Those Two Girls – Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills – from 5am to 6am weekdays.

“We are really proud of our national line up. We are unashamedly committed to talent who are connected to our tribes and communities,” Fordham added.

“We feel fortunate that every team is so full of life and delivers radio entertainment that gives our listeners a boost across their day and makes them feel included and up to date with everything that is important to them and their families.”

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