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It was the end of an era on Friday when Craig ‘Huggy’ Huggins signed off from his long-running radio gig.
The veteran of the Melbourne airwaves called time on his breakfast slot on Gold 104.3 after 34 years in the role.
Following his final broadcast on Friday, the station took to Facebook to pay tribute to the radio stalwart.
The account shared a montage photo that showed some hits and memories of Craig’s time with the classic hits station.
‘GOODBYE HUGGY!,’ the caption read.
‘Help us in bidding farewell to our beloved Huggy! He is hitting the Adelaide and Perth airways, so you can still find a way to listen and support him, but it is a very sad day in Melbourne!’
It was the end of an era on Friday when Craig ‘Huggy’ Huggins signed off from his long-running radio gig
The post was flooded with comments from fans, eager o pay tribute to the beloved DJ, with one listener saying it was a ‘sad day for Melbourne.
‘Thanks for all the love, laughs and music Huggy,’ they wrote.
‘Hope to hear you check in with the Melbourne GOLD team every once in a while, when you do a fill-in slot, but still a sad day for Melbourne listeners.’
Another added: ‘Thankyou Huggy for all that you have given us. Have loved listening to you for many years.
‘Your passion has been so amazing. So sad we won’t have hear you in Melbourne anymore. Loads of luck and fun in your new venture. Please remember we will always have you back. THANKYOU.’
Summing up the sentiment of many, a third chimed in with: ‘Thank you for your dedication loyalty and love on the airwaves for the past 35 years.
‘It has been great listening to you. All the best for the future.’
The Herald Sun reported Craig’s shock exit from the station earlier this month.
The veteran of the Melbourne airwaves called time on his breakfast slot on Gold 104.3 after 34 years in the role
Following his final broadcast on Friday, the station took to Facebook to pay tribute to the radio stalwart
‘I started at 3XY when I was 16 and have been in radio for 43 years, Craig told the publication.
‘I joined KZ FM, which later became Gold, on May 6, 1991. I am proud to be the last OG from when we changed to Gold 104.3 in October 1991.’
He added that the move was bittersweet as he had marked some major milestones while at the station.
‘I have been there for more than half my life and have had some of the major moments in my life there.’
Back in 2020 Craig announced the tragic death of his mother Joyce from COVID-19, on air.
‘Through Gold 104.3 I’ve always felt that you and I have had that sort of relationship where we can tell each other anything,’ Craig said.
‘So I want to tell you that I’m finishing early today. In fact, I’m going home right now. Sadly I’ve just received a call to let me know that my elderly mum Joyce has passed away at a nursing home with COVID-19.’
Craig then urged listeners to wear protective ‘face masks, social distance and do the right thing’ as the pandemic continues to intensify.
‘I joined KZ FM, which later became Gold, on May 6, 1991. I am proud to be the last OG from when we changed to Gold 104.3 in October 1991,’ Craig told the Herald Sun
‘I have been there for more than half my life and have had some of the major moments in my life there.’ Craig is pictured with UK pop star Robbie Willams
‘I just want to ask you to be careful. Wear your mask, social distance and do the right thing. Many people don’t know anyone that’s had the virus, but now you do, Huggy’s mum. Stay safe and and I’ll be back in a new few days,’ he said.
The radio veteran will now helm the breakfast shift on Adelaide’s Cruise 1323 as well as the afternoon drive slot on 96FM in Perth.
He will also remain in Melbourne, presenting both shows from Gold’s Melbourne studios.
The move comes as the station’s morning, afternoon, and drive shifts are networked.
Dave ‘Higgo’ Higgins will move from Drive to host Mornings in Melbourne and Sydney.
Also, Toni Tenaglia will helm the afternoon shift in both cities, while Steve Fitton will host Drive.
