Richelle Hunt to co-host ABC Melbourne Breakfast during Sharnelle Vella leave

Richelle Hunt will co-host 774 ABC Melbourne Breakfast alongside Bob Murphy while Sharnelle Vella takes maternity leave.

Hunt will step into the role from March 9, with Vella expected to return towards the end of 2026.

“I am so happy for Sharnelle and her husband Nicholas and cannot wait to meet their baby girl. We’re so excited to have a Breakfast baby,” Hunt said.

“Hand on heart, it’s such a privilege to be asked to hold the fort. I love co-hosting and I feel like I’ve known Bob forever. Plus, I already go to bed at the time of a toddler, so the early mornings suit me perfectly.”

The move marks a full-circle moment for Hunt, who first joined 774 ABC Melbourne 20 years ago as a traffic reporter.

Over two decades, she has worked across the station as a producer, reporter and presenter, including covering major events such as the Black Saturday bushfires.

She later co-hosted The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis, before becoming host of The Conversation Hour in 2020.

Murphy said Hunt was the obvious choice to step in while Vella is away.

“There’s truly no one better to take the seat opposite me while Sharnelle is away than Richelle,” Murphy said. “She knows Melbourne inside out, brings warmth and sharp wit, and has that wonderfully generous laugh.”

Sharnelle Vella and Bob Murphy

Vella said she would miss the team, but felt confident listeners would be looked after during her absence.

“I’ll miss the team immensely. I’m so incredibly proud of what we have built in such a short time,” Vella said. “I know listeners will be in safe hands with Richelle and I promise I’ve told her the golden rule - Bob can only sing once a week!”

Top image: Richelle Hunt & Bob Murphy

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