A popular radio duo, who were axed from their Nova drive slot last year, have been blocked from going live with a new show.
The network revealed in September that Late Drive with Ben, Liam & Belle hosts Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton, and Belle Jackson would not have their contracts renewed.
Their last day on air was said to be December 12, but staff were informed in October they had left immediately and have now allegedly had their new gig delayed, reported news.com.au.
The premature exit came amid rumours the popular hosts had signed with a rival network – rumours that were confirmed later that month.
ARN confirmed in October Ben and Liam would take the reins of the breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide, formerly Mix 102.3.
However, it seems the duo’s KIIS debut may have to wait with reports suggesting Nova is enforcing a ‘non-compete’ clause in the pair’s contracts.
Popular radio stars Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton, and producer Belle Jackson, who were axed from their Nova drive slot last year have been blocked from going live at their next gig
While most breakfast hosts will be returning to work this month, Ben and Liam will have to wait until later in the year.
A spokesperson from ARN told the publication the duo will hit the airwaves in April.
‘We always knew Ben and Liam’s official start date was April 1 and we can’t wait for them to join the all-new KIIS102.3, which launches on January 19,’ the spokesperson said.
There has been no official word on who will fill their seat until the duo’s arrival, however insiders have suggested Bec Morse – who had taken on hosting duties over the summer holidays – would be the likely candidate.
News of the trio’s Nova sacking emerged in October. Â
Staff received an email from management saying the final show would serve as ‘a farewell celebration’.
‘Ben, Liam and Belle are a hugely talented team who have delivered excellent results for Nova and developed a unique connection to their audience,’ Brendan Taylor, Nova’s programmer, wrote in the message to staff, per TV Blackbox.
‘They have consistently given their all, and I would like to thank them for being such valued members of the Nova family.’
ARN confirmed in October that Ben and Liam would take the reins of the breakfast show on KIIS FM Adelaide, formerly Mix 102.3. However, it seems that the duo’s KIIS debut may have to wait, with News Corp reporting that Nova is enforcing a ‘non-compete’ clause in the pair’s contracts
‘We always knew Ben and Liam’s official start date was April 1 and we can’t wait for them to join the all-new KIIS1023 which launches on January 19,’ an ARN spokesperson said
Ben and Liam kicked off their radio careers in Adelaide on community station Fresh 92.7.
In 2016, they took the reins from Matt Okine and Alex Dyson as the co-hosts of Triple J’s breakfast show.
They returned to Adelaide in 2020 to host Nova 91.9’s breakfast show before relocating to Melbourne in early 2023.Â
They were bumped by Lauren Phillips and Jase Hawkins, who launched a fresh breakfast show on Nova’s 100 at the beginning of 2024.
At the time, Media Week revealed the popular trio only learned they were losing their jobs ‘shortly before’ Lauren and Jase posed for a ‘secret’ photo shoot in the Nova studio.
