Christian finally farewells UK, Hamish & Andy’s Jack Post announced as sidekick/producer

Absolute Radio’s Christian O’Connell is preparing to sign off for the final time before jumping on board a big tin bird for the flight to Melbourne.

After 12 years of doing breakfast, O’Connell will farewell the UK tonight our time and will walk into the Gold FM studios for the first on June 4th.

GOLD this morning announced that Cacklin’ Jack Post from the Hamish and Andy show will join Christian as his producer and sidekick.

“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to broadcast on Absolute Radio across the UK for the past 12 years to two million people, but I’m now looking forward to heading to Melbourne to start my new show on GOLD104.3, and my family is excited to live in such an exciting and vibrant city, and in a country that has more than three sunny days a year,” said Christian.

It seems apt that he’ll begin his new show alongside Cacklin’ Jack, after his first foray into Aussie radio involved Hamish and Andy when he simulcast his show in Australia and Britain on May 18 of 2012.

“Six years ago I broadcast uninvited into Australia from the UK with two chancers called Hamish and Andy, and from Monday June 4th I’ll be hosting my brand new breakfast show in Melbourne,” Christian said.

“I’ve ditched those two but hired someone from their amazing show.”

Jack Post has worked on creative and production for the Hamish and Andy Show for a decade now, having begun his career in radio at 15.

“I’m excited to continue executing my simple career strategy: only work with radio’s most talented presenters and see how far their success can carry you,” Jack said.

“I’ve been a fan of Christian’s show for a long time and I can’t wait to see how Melbourne embraces him.”

“After a lot of planning and preparation I am genuinely excited to be welcoming Christian and his family to Australia next week,” added ARN national CD Duncan Campbell.

“His internationally acclaimed show format has made him one of the world’s most awarded radio hosts and reinforces ARN’s commitment to delivering innovative and high quality content to our audiences. Melbourne listeners haven’t heard anything like this before.”

It’s been a long goodbye for O’Connell, who’s done live shows and farewell events for fans and colleagues, while his on-air off-sider Richie Firth has put together a ‘very best bits’ package in tribute.

The Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show – the very best bits of all time!
Don't be sad it's (nearly) over, be glad it happened… @OC @RichieFirth pic.twitter.com/iHIabAWy83

— Absolute Radio (@absoluteradio) May 16, 2018

And he’d told his UK fans that if it doesn’t work out, he might be back to do the graveyard shift.