PJ Harding to depart KIIS 101.1 breakfast
After six and a half years on air together, Jason Hawkins (Jase) and Polly ‘PJ’ Harding have called an end to their time as a radio duo, with the latter to head home to New Zealand.
Jase and PJ joined KIIS 101.1 breakfast in Melbourne in 2018, but Harding has made the decision to return home to be with her fiancè. She recently got engaged while spending time in New Zealand last year when Melbourne was in lockdown.
In an on-air break this morning, Harding revealed that spending so much time away from her boyfriend – and now being engaged – had taken its toll.
Hawkins added that on several occasions recently, Harding had broken down in tears during ad-breaks throughout the breakfast show.
Harding will end her time with KIIS FM in June.
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In a statement, Harding said: “I have absolutely loved my three years in Melbourne at KIIS 101.1. Getting to work alongside my best mate Jase and interacting daily with our listeners really has been a dream job which I will be eternally grateful for. I will miss everyone here at ARN and can’t thank them enough for all their love and support.”
“For every single person, last year was incredibly tough and in September I was fortunate enough to get back home to New Zealand to spend time with my family and partner BJ.
“During this time, I got engaged which was hands down the light at the end of a really dark year, and reinforced how important home really is.
“It’s not been an easy decision to make but I know for me it’s the right one and will kickstart a brand new chapter. I will miss Jase and the whole team so much, but rest assured we will definitely stay in contact as Jase is adamant to be my head bridesmaid.”
In his own statement, Hawkins said he “couldn’t be prouder for what she’s achieved”.
“I’m still in shock she’s picking to spend her life with her real husband over her work one… Peej is an amazing radio host and possibly the most honest and genuine person on air I’ve ever heard.
“We have become best mates over the years and a part of each other’s family. I’m gutted to see her go home but so glad she’s found a top bloke and is ready to start the next stage of her life as a hippy on the farm. I’ll miss her a lot. Good luck mate.”
ARN had just extended Jase and PJ’s contracts last year, and revealed it will soon share news over who will replace Harding, with Hawkins to stay on.
Chief content officer, Duncan Campbell, said the network is sad to see Harding go, but wish her luck with her partner. “ARN are genuinely delighted for PJ and wish her and BJ the very best for their future together.
“PJ is fantastic radio talent and she has brought so much fun, laughter and energy to mornings in Melbourne since Jase and PJ in the Morning launched in 2018. We are looking forward to making an exciting announcement about the future of Melbourne’s KIIS 101.1 Breakfast in the coming weeks.”
Before arriving at ARN’s KIIS 101.1 in 2018, Jase and PJ presented a hugely successful drive show on New Zealand radio network NZ.
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Zanda Wilson was a reporter and podcast producer at Mumbrella, specialising in radio reporting. He left Mumbrella in September 2021.
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