Hello LJ: Ballarat saddles up for new Breakfast show

This Monday, Ballarat’s Power FM will launch a new-look Breakfast show.

After an exhaustive search, Lara Jean Marshall will join Jack Van Der Heyden for Jack & LJ for Breakfast.

Fans of The Saddle Club will remember Lara Jean (aka LJ), who starred in 52 episodes of the popular TV show as Lisa Attwood, along the way releasing 5 albums with her co-stars, 3 of which went gold.

She also appeared in The Doctor Blake Mysteries and trod the boards in the Melbourne production of Les Misérables. 

LJ tells Radio Today that radio is a whole different ball game.

“With TV, if you mess up, you get to do another take. Radio is mostly live in the moment, happening now … which is honestly a bit of a thrill for me.”

“I also love music and to be around music all day is pretty much perfect. There are so many great things about both platforms and the family-like environments you get to experience and create are everything.”

More recently LJ has been working in news for the ACE Network, which she says was a great experience.

“I enjoyed reporting on breaking news stories or stories that meant a lot to the community. There are a lot of great personalities and people in our regional and rural communities and they definitely need support out there in terms of staff shortages and getting roads fixed.”

LJ is no stranger to early starts.

“I’m used to them. Being in news, you are the first one in. I feel I have more energy in the morning, and it means you leave earlier, so you can do more with your day.”

“I am definitely not a night person anymore. 8pm and you will find me asleep.”

Co-host Jack Van Der Heyden says he’s excited about working with LJ “She is a caring and genuine soul and it’s going to be a lot fun.”

For LJ, the feeling is mutual: “I feel honoured to share breakfast with Jack. We honestly just clicked – we’re each other’s Yin &Yang. I can’t wait for the show to start next week.”

ARN’s Ballarat Content Director, Dave Dalkin says “We are excited to have Lara join the team.  Together with Jack in Breakfast on Power FM, Lara is set to become an important part of the Ballarat community”

And LJ can’t wait to get stuck in. “I look forward to immersing myself in everything the Ballarat community has to offer.  Hang on tight Ballarat this is gonna be a fun ride!”

Breakfast with Jack & LJ on Ballarat’s 103.1 Power FM kicks off on Monday November 28 from 6am.