Richelle Hunt to fill-in for Sharnelle Vella on 774 ABC Melbourne Breakfast

Veteran ABC presenter Richelle Hunt will fill in as co-host of 774 ABC Melbourne Breakfast alongside Bob Murphy when Sharnelle Vella goes on maternity leave next month.

With Vella and her husband Nicholas expecting their first child in the coming weeks, Hunt – who has hosted The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis and The Conversation Hour – will take over the chair from March 9.

Hunt said “I am so happy for Sharnelle and her husband Nicholas and cannot wait to meet their baby girl. We’re so excited to have a Breakfast baby.Hand on heart, it’s such a privilege to be asked to hold the fort. I love co-hosting and I feel like I’ve known Bob forever. Plus, I already go to bed at the time of a toddler, so the early mornings suit me perfectly.”

Murphy said “There’s truly no one better to take the seat opposite me while Sharnelle is away than Richelle. She knows Melbourne inside out, brings warmth and sharp wit, and has that wonderfully generous laugh. I couldn’t be happier that listeners will get to experience it alongside me while Sharnelle is away.”

Sharnelle added “I can’t believe maternity leave has arrived so quickly. Nicholas and I are one step closer to meeting our baby girl which is both so exciting and daunting! I’ll miss the team immensely. I’m so incredibly proud of what we have built in such a short time. I know listeners will be in safe hands with Richelle and I promise I’ve told her the golden rule – Bob can only sing once a week!”

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Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Mary Gearin will return to ABC Radio Melbourne to present The Conversation Hour during Hunt’s absence.

Gearin says she looks forward to returning to the station and to lead one of the network’s most respected talk programs.

“It will be an absolute pleasure to be back on ABC Radio this year, and a privilege to step into Richelle Hunt’s role.”

Richelle Hunt image: ABC