Sally & Erica to depart triple j Breakfast

The hosts of triple j Breakfast, Sally Coleman and Erica Mallett, are stepping back only one year into the gig, effective immediately.

The duo took over the slot from Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton, who took their Ben & Liam show to Nova in Adelaide.

Prior to their time in Breakfast, Coleman and Mallett had hosted overnight shifts in 2017, and then Weekend Afternoons from 2018 on the ABC station.

Triple j said the audience had warmed to Sally & Erica’s unique authenticity, hilarious stories, and ability to work through challenging issues affecting young people.

“In a year that COVID-19 physically distanced many people around Australia, young people have sought that personal connection more than ever,” triple j publicity said. “Throughout this time, Sally & Erica have been a much-needed touchpoint to the rest of the world, through music, culture, empathy and a lot of laughs.”

The radio station noted the show’s achievements including a rap-medley honouring the hottest female-led songs of the decade for International Women’s Day, going viral on TikTok with a remix of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s infamous press conference, going deep with Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker following the Hottest 100 of the Decade, and the launch of the triple j air freshener.

@triplejradioAndrew you don’t run the press conference @dukedumont 🚦 #sallyanderica #australia #scomo #andrew #coronavirus♬ original sound – triple j

Coleman said she’s incredibly grateful for her time at the station which boasts “Australia’s biggest family of music lovers”.

“It’s been a wild ride – from a one-off guest slot with Matt & Alex to taking the reins of Breakfast ourselves. I’ve had so many pinch-myself moments, but the most amazing part of my time at triple j has been the audience. triple j listeners never fail to make me cackle, warm my heart and inspire me. I’ve loved waking up with you every morning – thank you for everything. I can’t wait to show you what’s next,” she said.

Mallett said being on triple j feels akin to having tens of thousands of friends.

“Whether it’s just a song request on the text line, a call in to say hey, a story about your weekend or a dumb thing you did as a kid, I’ve loved every minute of the crazy, passionate energy that comes from the triple j audience. Thank you for everything. It’s time for me to hang up the headphones for now and focus on other things (a little later in the day than 6am). I’ll catch you very soon,” she said.

Triple j said it wished them the absolute best as they pursue other projects.

Bryce Mills, currently occupying the Weekend Afternoon slot, will carry Breakfast for the rest of the year, before the new hosting lineup is announced.

In the most recent ratings, triple J had a steady 4.3% share in Breakfast in Sydney, 3.0% in Melbourne (up from 2.5%), 5.3% in Brisbane (down from 6.0%), 4.7% in Adelaide (up from 4.2%), and 8.5% in Perth (up from 7.3%).