Mitch Churi And Nikki Osborne To Take Over Nova Drive

Comedians Mitch Churi and Nikki Osborne are teaming up to take over Nova’s national drive slot, bringing together two personalities who have already made plenty of headlines this year.

The radio host and comedian will be on air for two weeks from Monday, September 21, during the radio survey break in what could be testing the waters to bring Churi in for a big radio comeback.

The pair will anchor the show from 4pm to 6pm weekdays across the Nova network and through the Nova Player app.

The temporary gig comes as Churi prepares for audiences to see a very different side of him on Australian Survivor, while Osborne’s podcast interviews have generated their own national conversation.

Radio execs are currently squaring up plans for the 2027, with big announcements already made in Melbourne after KIIS announced their replacement for Kyle & Jackie O.

Mitch Churi’s Survivor showdown

Next year Churi will face off against fellow gay media personality Christian Wilkins on Australian Survivor: Rivals in 2027.

The pair are among 24 contestants competing in a format that matches players against rivals with similar strengths, experience or personal qualities.

Filmed in Malaysia, the season sees David Genat return as host, with other contestants including actors Bernard Curry and Lincoln Lewis, and Olympians Kerri Pottharst and Danielle Scott.

For Churi, who also hosts The Mitch Churi Chat Show, the competition offers a chance to put his social skills to work beyond the interview chair.

Whether those skills translate into surviving tribal council remains to be seen.

Nikki Osborne’s headline-making podcast

Osborne attracted attention in July when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appeared on her Bush Deep podcast, which she hosts as her character Bushie.

During a game of “fuck, marry, date”, Albanese was asked to choose between Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman and Rhonda Burchmore.

“Kylie, clearly,” he replied, before choosing the singer for all three options.

The exchange prompted criticism, including from independent MP Zali Steggall and Liberal senator Sarah Henderson.

Albanese subsequently issued an apology through his office, saying: “I apologise unequivocally for the comments.”

The episode also featured discussion of his professional life, online trolls and a game of bogan slang scrabble.

With Osborne and Churi now sharing a microphone, Nova listeners will have a fortnight to hear how their on air partnership plays out as radio execs test the waters for the pair as preparations for the 2027 announcers continue.