Terry Hansen has announced his resignation from Brisbane’s KIIS 97.3‘s Robin, Terry & Kip Breakfast show.
Hansen broke the news to listeners on air on Friday morning, saying that it was time to move on to the next phase of his career and make his return to the stage. He finished on air on Friday.
Commenting on his decision, Hansen said: “Almost exactly 20 years since I first joined KIIS 97.3, I have decided to hang up my tonsils for the last time. I promise. My plan was always to wrap things up at the end of this year, allowing Robin and Kip to develop their double act going into the future. ARN’s generous offer to let me go walking in Spain with my brother created the perfect opportunity for Robin and Kip to do their thing without the interruption of my obvious hilarity. It also made me realize there’s no need to return and disrupt that transition just for the sake of a long goodbye.
“So I’ve asked for an early release to embrace my next chapter. Those who know me know my love for live performance, whether stand-up comedy or theatre. I’m literally going back on the stage after two decades, and already have several exciting projects in the works. I want to thank everyone inside and outside the studio, especially our listeners, for an amazing 20 years (with a brief hiatus)! See you around town or across the country soon.”
Duncan Campbell, ARN chief content officer, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Terry has been an integral part of our breakfast show for nearly two decades. He’s not just a co-host; he’s a friend to us all. His unwavering commitment to our community, from Say No To Bullying Day, now a National Day of Action, to his role in making ‘Day For Daniel’ a nationwide event, has been nothing short of exceptional. We’ll miss his warmth, his humour, and his big heart.”
Long-time friend and co-host, Robin Bailey, said, “Tez has been a permanent fixture in my life for the last 15 years. No one makes me laugh as much as him. We’ve seen each others’ kids grow up and weathered some of the big moments of life in the KIIS studio together. I’m so pleased Tez is choosing a time that’s right for him to hang up his headphones and begin new projects. Not many in our industry get to do that and it’s a testament to him that he can.
“I will miss his elaborate storytelling and the truly unique way his brain works. I will miss his undying loyalty and his incredible work ethic, but most of all I’ll miss his true commitment to our listeners. Nothing was ever too much or too hard and I am sure they will miss him too! Good luck Tez… you really do deserve a sleep in and the chance to explore everything life has to offer!”
Kip Wightman added: “He’s such a genuine bloke, generous with his time and with his laughs. Hands down the hardest-working person I’ve seen in this business. If anyone deserves a break from these hours, it’s Terry.”
From next week, KIIS 97.3’s Breakfast show will be known as Robin & Kip in the Morning.