The Christian O’Connell Show turns 5

Christian O’Connell says he has never enjoyed life – or radio – more since moving to Australia.

This week marks five years on air for The Christian O’Connell Show on Melbourne’s Gold 104.3.

And being crowned the city’s #1 FM Breakfast show for the 24^th consecutive survey in the same week isn’t a bad way to celebrate.

But the first six months were a tumultuous time.

Relocating to Melbourne to take on the Gold Breakfast shift after dominating the UK airwaves for two decades, O’Connell found himself very much the outsider, and the doubters weren’t afraid to make their feelings known.

Reflecting on that time, O’Connell said “It’s hard not to take it personally when every day you’re getting messages saying ‘Go home.’”

“From day one, everyone around us was like ‘You won’t last. It won’t work. They won’t like you.’”

But Melburnians would adopt O’Connell as one of their own.

Five years on, the show has attracted a loyal following.

O’Connell paid tribute to co-hosts Jack Post and Patrina Jones, who’ve been part of the journey since day one and whom he regards as an integral part of the show’s success.

He’s also grateful for the listeners who gave him a go in the first place.

“This show would not be here without everyone who’s come along. Thank you.”