Eddie McGuire has revealed the family tragedy that played a part in his decision to quit his top-rating Hot Breakfast Triple M radio show this week, after 11 years on-air.
Speaking to the Herald Sun on Friday, the 56-year-old said the death of his mother Bridie Brennan in August caused him to reflect and think about what matters most.
Eddie’s co-host Luke Darcy, also announced he would be leaving the show. Luke’s father David Darcy passed away on August 1, two days before Bridie’s death.
Revealed: The family tragedy that had an impact on Eddie McGuire’s decision to quit his top-rating Hot Breakfast Triple M show after 11 years on-air. Eddie, 56, is pictured in July, 2019
‘Darce’s father was such a great friend of the show, and so well loved. My mum passed away two days later, but we knew it was imminent. My view is, if you don’t learn from this year, you won’t learn from much,’ Eddie told the publication.
Luke, 45, also revealed that the death of their loved ones caused them to reassess.
‘The self-reflection, and losing someone close to you… you re-evaluate things that are important and, for me, it always comes back to family,’ he said.
Reflection: Speaking to the Herald Sun on Friday, Eddie said the death of his mother Bridie Brennan (pictured in 1993) in August, caused him to reflect and think about what matters most
Co-host: Eddie’s co-host Luke Darcy (right), 45, also announced he would be leaving the show. Luke’s father David Darcy passed away on August 1, two days before Bridie’s death
‘This year, we’ve had the chance to stop, reflect and look at our situations.’
On Wednesday, Triple M Melbourne‘s The Hot Breakfast announced that the show would broadcast its last episode on Friday 27 November.
‘It’s time too for me to finish up a wonderful 11 year run with a 4am alarm,’ Eddie told listeners, as he revealed he was planning to ‘reflect and recharge’ ahead of 2021.
Eddie joined Triple M in 1988 as a young journalist and has been on the Hot Breakfast show since 2009.
Final show: Triple M Melbourne’s The Hot Breakfast will broadcast its last episode on Friday 27 November
‘This year has been a year like no other for all of us. We found ourselves able to broadcast six hours a day and on weekends when COVID-19 hit. Whilst gruelling, it has also been a true honour and pleasure for us to be with Melbourne every step of the way and the most important year in our show’s history,’ Eddie said.
The Millionaire Hot Seat host said with his youngest two sons now finished at school, he is looking forward to his next chapter without an early 4am radio alarm.
‘I plan to take some time to reflect and recharge with my family and after a good, long break have a look at what the next project for Triple M looks like in 2021, building on new ground we forged back in 2009,’ he added.
‘Whilst gruelling, it has also been a true honour and pleasure’: Eddie joined Triple M’s Hot Breakfast in 2009 and says this year has been ‘a year like no other’ due to the coronavirus and ‘broadcasting six hours a day and on weekends’
‘The last 11 years has been the most enjoyable experience you could imagine’: Luke addressed the show ending in a statement on Wednesday. Pictured L to R: Luke, Eddie, Wil Anderson and Mick Molloy in 2019
Luke also addressed the show ending on Wednesday.
‘The last 11 years has been the most enjoyable experience you could imagine. Sitting next to the man in the suit, Triple M royalty Rosie Walton and comedy giants Mick Molloy and Wil Anderson every morning has been the greatest gift,’ he said.
Meanwhile, SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement: ‘I’d like to sincerely thank Eddie and Darce for what has been a wonderful 11 years in the toughest spot in radio with Triple M Melbourne.’
Luke will stay on as part of the AFL footy call team and Eddie will be back in 2021 with exciting new projects for Triple M.
More to come: While Eddie continues to host Nine’s Millionaire Hot Seat, he is also expected to return to Triple M in another role in 2021