Speculation that comedian and radio host Joel Creasey was set for a major career shift to Sydney's competitive breakfast radio slot has been officially quashed. Despite months of industry chatter suggesting he would challenge the reigning duo of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O, the move is categorically not happening.
The Rumour Mill Grinds to a Halt
For over six months, Australian radio legend Craig Bruce fuelled the rumours on his popular Game Changers Radio podcast, which he co-hosts with Irene Hulme. Bruce consistently suggested that the 35-year-old Nova star was being lined up for an upgrade from his national drive-time show.
However, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal that these claims were nothing more than 'a storm in a teacup', according to a well-placed insider. A senior network source confirmed that there have been no discussions, negotiations, or plans to transfer Joel Creasey to breakfast radio.
'It's just a rumour. Nothing is happening,' a senior network insider stated bluntly. They added, 'Joel isn't relocating to Sydney, and he isn't being groomed for Breakfast. He's happy where he is.'
Drive-Time Show Remains the Priority
This confirmation aligns with the recent news that Creasey has officially re-signed for another year on the Tim, Joel & Ricki-Lee show. He continues his successful partnership with co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Ricki-Lee Coulter, a trio that the network is keen to keep intact.
A separate source emphasised the show's value, revealing, 'Drive is stable, profitable and performing well.' The source was unequivocal about the network's position, stating, 'There is zero appetite to break up that line-up.'
Why the Speculation Persisted
So, why did the rumour mill run so rampant? Sources point to Joel Creasey's history with shock jock Kyle Sandilands. Early in his radio career, Creasey famously filled in for Kyle on The Kyle & Jackie O Show when Sandilands was off sick.
Listeners were reported to have warmed to him immediately, and this stint in the big leagues was seen by some as 'proof' that he possessed the unique talent to potentially challenge Kyle on the airwaves. With influential industry figures like Craig Bruce publicly backing Creasey's ability to 'shake things up', the narrative of an impending breakfast battle gained significant traction.
A senior programmer acknowledged the appeal of such a story, telling Daily Mail, 'People love a shake-up story. But in this case, it's simply not on the cards.' They concluded definitively, 'Joel's not the next challenger to Kyle. At least not right now.'
