Carrie Bickmore reveals fears of permanent vocal damage after emotional on-air return

Carrie Bickmore has returned to The Hit Network’s Carrie & Tommy this afternoon, revealing she will need to take further time away from radio amid fears of permanent vocal cord damage.

After missing last week’s shows due to illness, Carrie told listeners she had visited an ENT specialist this morning and was warned her vocal cords were ‘in a very bad way.’

The Hit Network’s Loren Barry – who co-hosts The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren – has been filling in for Carrie while she’s been away.

Sounding noticeably hoarse and fighting back emotion, Carrie admitted she was struggling with the prospect of stepping away from the job she loves, but hoped acting early would prevent any permanent damage.

Carrie reassured listeners she’ll be back after this afternoon’s ‘one night only special,’ as she now focuses on recovery.

Carrie: “ I’m only back for today. My voice hasn’t been right for some time. I went to the ENT [doctor] this morning and it’s in a very bad way … as you can hear! Things are not good, so I’m going to have to take some time off work to get it fixed. If I don’t get it fixed now, they [vocal cords] will be permanently damaged, which will be very unfortunate for my job …”

Tommy: “We need you at full strength, Bickers, you’ll be right”

 Carrie: “(pauses) It’s making me upset. I’ll be fine, sorry … I don’t know why it’s making me so upset. I just don’t like letting people down and I don’t like letting myself down. I also really love my job and don’t want to be forced not to never do it again! I’m taking a little bit of time off to get it fixed. I’m hoping that if I get onto it now, it will be a non-permanent thing.”

Listen to Carrie and Tommy on the Hit Network from 3-6pm weekdays, also on LiSTNR.