Radio hosts shocked as Fitzy and Wippa star QUITS live on air: ‘You have been a vital part of this show’
Nova’s morning radio hosts were shocked on Thursday when one of their beloved stars quit live broadcasts.
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Kate Ritchie’s long-time newsreader Matt de Groot announced that he is stepping down from his position after ten years.
An emotional de Groot, 35, held back tears as he surprised listeners with the news, revealing he will be moving to London with his family early next year.
“It’s been the best ten years with the best team,” he said on the broadcast.
Matt explained that the move follows the news that his wife Bronte Coy is moving to the UK for work.
“It’s too big of an opportunity for a family to pass up the opportunity to move to London and live there for a few years,” he added.
“So after a decade of telling people the M5 is busy, someone else will get the chance next year to do the best work in Sydney radio news.”
“Don’t go,” Wippa begged, before joking, “you clearly had to choose, you have to think about the choice, do I choose my wife or the team?”
Nova’s morning radio hosts were shocked on Thursday when one of their beloved stars quit live broadcasts
Several members of the team broke down in tears over the announcement. Pictured: Ryan Fitzgerald
After joining Fitzy & Wippa as a news presenter in 2013, Matt said he delivered around 39,000 traffic reports and 20,000 news bulletins.
He’s read the news from the top of the Harbor Bridge, in an ice bath, in a fighter plane, in a helicopter, in the snow, on a cruise ship and in line for a Harry Styles concert.
“We know how much love you have for your family, and we’ve been trying to talk to you about this and can we get you involved in some way,” Fitzy said.
“The insight you bring to this show and your personality – you have been an essential part of this show for ten years and we want to thank you for that, buddy.”
“You’re making me upset,” an emotional Wippa told Matt.
Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald, Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Kate Ritchie’s long-time newsreader Matt de Groot (pictured) announced that he is stepping down from his position as newsreader after ten years
“I enjoyed this, and I love it, and I’m not going because I don’t love it,” Matt continued.
Matt continued his love for the role in a statement: “It’s been the most unique ‘news’ role in the industry, where on one hand you’re covering the biggest stories every day, and on the other, your car is being slick-wrapped wrapped while you’re sitting at your desk.
‘In the ten years they have been working at Fitzy & Wippa, they have created surreal moments, with the sole purpose of entertaining themselves.
‘Almost getting arrested while chasing Meghan Markle with a huge bouquet of flowers, and then shaking Prince Harry’s was a high point, then coming home one day and clearing out and redecorating my entire apartment at Manly Warf in Sydney was probably the low point. ‘
“I will miss this team and the show that changed my life, but I’m so excited to support my wife in London and get some sleep in,” he continued.
Over the coming weeks the team will celebrate Matt’s time with the show before the search begins for a new news presenter to join the team upon their return in January 2024.
After joining Fitzy & Wippa as a news presenter in 2013, Matt said he delivered around 39,000 traffic reports and 20,000 news bulletins