Ali Clarke’s replacement has been announced, days after the radio star made the heartbreaking admission that she was taking time off to battle breast cancer.
Veteran Channel Nine presenter Hayley Pearson will take on the role of ‘seat warmer’ alongside Clarke’s co-star Max Burford.
Clarke said in a statement that she couldn’t think of anyone better suited for the role than Pearson: ‘I’ve known Hayley for years and when she left Breakfast Radio she said she would never get up early again.
“That she is coming out of ‘retirement’ for me and our listeners fills me with joy. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to keep Max in line.”
Hayley, who co-hosts Channel Nine lifestyle show HelloSA, said she felt honoured to be able to help her friend during this difficult time.
“The first thing I thought of was ALL the people Ali has helped over the years with a cancer diagnosis,” Hayley began.
“She’s an absolute star for these people and their families. I said I’d never do breakfast radio again, but the sisterhood is powerful. Ali is the only reason I’ll come back. I’ll keep her seat warm while she heals.”
Clarke’s Mix 102.3 co-host Max Burford and Ali added that Pearson was the perfect fit to ensure the show continued to run smoothly.
Ali Clarke’s (right) replacement has been announced, days after the radio star made the heartbreaking admission that she was taking time off to battle breast cancer. Veteran presenter Hayley Pearson (centre) will step in alongside Clarke’s co-star Max Burford (left)
“It’s a huge relief to have a professional like Hayley who fits seamlessly into the programme and ensures the show continues to move in the right direction, while Ali fights the good fight,” he said.
Pearson will assume this role effective Monday, July 29 at 6:00 a.m. and will remain in place indefinitely.
This came after Clarke broke down in tears during Tuesday’s show when she revealed she had breast cancer.
Ali shocked listeners when she announced she would be taking a break from radio due to her treatment for breast cancer.
Clarke revealed in a statement that she couldn’t think of anyone better suited to replace her than Hayley
“I thought it was very small and manageable. But I found quite a few small cancers. And that means I’m going to have quite a major surgery later this week, and I’m going to have to take some time off to recover, as you can imagine,” she said.
“I’ve never dressed scantily, I’ve never put my breasts on display. They’ve been absolutely functional. In fact, when I was growing up, they were almost in the way of sports.”
The radio presenter burst into tears as she spoke emotionally about ‘losing a part’ of herself.
It comes after Clarke broke down during Tuesday’s show when she revealed she had breast cancer