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Joel Creasey to replace Marty Sheargold on Nova’s national drive show

Comedian Joel Creasey will replace Marty Sheargold on Nova Entertainment’s national drive show, alongside Kate Ritchie and Tim Blackwell.

It was announced last month that Sheargold would be leaving the syndicated program after 26 consecutive survey wins. Sheargold’s final show will be September 11, with Creasey moving in from September 14.

Creasey is one of Australia’s ‘most outspoken comedians’ and chief programming and marketing officer, Paul Jackson, says he’s the perfect choice to join Ritchie and Blackwell.

“For over six years Nova’s drive team have built a loyal following with their audience. When looking for the right person to co-host the show, we wanted someone quickwitted, energetic and who had great chemistry with our popular drive hosts – Kate and Tim,” he said.

“Joel is no stranger to Nova’s audience, having appeared as a guest on many of our on air shows, he has national appeal and already has a good relationship with the team. Joel was the perfect choice to join Kate and Tim on drive and we can’t wait to get them on air together.”

The Kate, Tim & Marty show has won seven Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) in its time on air, including Best Networked Program in 2015, 2018 and 2019 and Best On Air Team in 2016 and 2017.

Creasey poked fun at the differences between himself and Sheargold but said he was thrilled to join the team.

“Naturally when you think of a logical replacement for Marty Sheargold you go ‘Joel Creasey’. As a fan of the show I’m not entirely sure what the team do all day… but it sounds so much fun and I want in. I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the national drive show alongside Kate and Tim, who I’ve shared many a beverage with over the years,” he said.

“After over 10 years of big hair and colourful suits on TV, I’m excited for people to get to know another side of me… unfiltered, unvarnished and on air across the country five days a week…what could go wrong? But having appeared on Neighbours upwards of four times it’s not only given me the confidence to achieve anything, but I’m also excited for Kate and I to discuss our illustrious soap careers. I might even teach her a thing or two!”

Creasey first began his stand up career in Perth at the age of 15, before gradually conquering the national circuit. He has sold out tours in Australia, Asia, London and New York and spent time as a support act for the iconic Joan Rivers.

He has stand up specials on Netflix and Amazon Prime, regularly appears on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and has hosted the Eurovision Song Contest for Australia for the last four years.

He’s also hosted dating show Take Me Out, appears on panel shows from Talkin ‘Bout Your Generation to Spicks and Specks, is a regular ‘funnies chair’ host on The Project and featured in the first season of I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here.

Kate Ritchie said: “It’s kind of embarrassing for Joel that he felt the need to join our show permanently, if all he was looking for was yet another attempt at Quick Draw. I’ve loved beating him, and he’s always been an okay guest, so Tim and I would have welcomed him back in a heartbeat, albeit briefly. In all honesty though…we are looking forward to having him join the team!”

Tim Blackwell said: “I’ve known Joel for years and have no doubt he’ll fit in seamlessly with Kate and I. I’ll just have to make sure I run him through some of the FM radio basics before our first show…for example: DJ Khaled and Khalid are not the same person, Nova’s Red Room isn’t a nightclub and you must be able to go to the toilet and back during an Ariana Grande song. Nail these basics and there will be no stopping us!”

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