'Not how I wanted it to end': Carrie and Tommy confirm Hit exit

Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little will end their national Hit Network Drive show this year, with an emotional Little telling listeners the decision was “certainly not how I wanted it to end”.

The pair announced their departure on air today, after Mediaweek reported that Bickmore was set to leave SCA for rival ARN.

A tearful Bickmore told listeners: “After nearly 10 years of doing this amazing show, the Carrie and Tommy show is coming to an end”.

“I've loved every minute of doing the show. It's not every day you get to come and have a laugh and call it your job with your best mate and the funniest guy in the country, and that's what we've got to do for the last decade.”

A noticeably emotional Little said: “It's really sad. It's certainly not how I wanted it to end. I love this job, and I would have kept doing it for a long time. But I don't always get my way, and I feel very grateful. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity. I think we've had an amazing job to do.”

He continued: “Not everyone gets to say they love their job, and I've honestly and truly love this job, and as you said, the people we all work with are the best, and they're the people that are looking at us right now. But also the people that we've worked with over the years, we've had literally the best team in radio”.

SCA's head of broadcast content, audio, Matthew O’Reilly, also confirmed the timing in an internal email sighted by Mediaweek.

“After a decade hosting the Hit Network’s national Drive show, Carrie & Tommy will conclude their impressive run this year.”

O’Reilly pays tribute to the pair

O’Reilly thanked Bickmore, Little and the team behind the program, which joined Hit in 2017.

“Since joining Hit in 2017, Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little have built a loyal audience through their genuine friendship, big laughs and their own unique take on the ordinary. During their time on air, Carrie & Tommy have brought their listeners on some of the biggest, unexpected and memorable adventures on radio.”

The email also recalled the show’s listener trips, fundraising efforts and regular events.

“From caravaning across Queensland to surprising lucky listeners with once-in-a-lifetime trips to Paris, running a South African marathon for Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brian Cancer Foundation or braving their icy Tassie lake plunge, Carrie and Tommy have constantly taken their audience along for the ride. Throw in their annual 'Roast' and legendary 'Mystery Bus' tours, and they have kept their fans laughing year after year.”

O’Reilly said the network would mark the pair’s contribution before their departure.

“Over the next few weeks, we look forward to celebrating everything Carrie and Tommy have given to their listeners over the last 10 years.

“Thank you to Carrie, Tommy, and everyone who worked on the show, pouring their energy, creativity, and passion into making it what it is today. We wish them the very best for what’s next.”

Mediaweek first reported ARN move

Mediaweek first reported on September 10 that multiple sources had identified Bickmore as ARN’s intended replacement for Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw in national Drive.

Sources said Bickmore was set to leave SCA, with ARN chief executive Michael Stephenson understood to have personally orchestrated the deal. It was not clear whether Little would join her.

ARN previously confirmed Will & Woody would finish on KIIS at the end of 2026 after eight years with the network, creating a vacancy in its national Drive schedule. 

O’Reilly’s email did not detail either host’s next role.