RILEY-ROSE Harper will be the first home-grown breakfast host in 18 years on Hit FM when she and Seamus Evans hit the airwaves.
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The Corryong product joins former Network 10 children's television host Evans from Monday morning, replacing Melbourne pair Tom Bainbridge and Olly Morris.
Not since Steve Bowen in the late 1990s has Hit FM, previously known as Star FM, had a Border-raised host in the breakfast shift.
“I actually hadn't really thought about the local aspect initially,” Harper, who is moving from the morning shift on the station, said.
“It sounds a bit corny, but it really is a dream come true.
“I remember working at the bank in Corrying a few years ago, listening to the radio and wishing that I could be on the air.
“It's been a crazy journey over the last three years, I’ve had a lot of support and guidance.
“I'm still pinching myself, I’m excited to represent Corryong and be a local on the air.”
It's been a whirlwind couple of months for the duo, who only spoke on the phone before their first audition in November for the role.
With things moving so quickly, the duo have had to learn a lot about each other in a short space of time – especially since they only met face to face just over a fortnight ago.
“You can have a rapport with someone over the phone or by webcam, but it's a little different when you meet face to face,” Harper said.
“As soon as I met Seamus I knew we'd be fine though.
“We've fast-tracked a lot of the 'getting to know you’ stuff, ditched all the pleasantries and fluff and gotten right down to it.”
The breakfast job will be Adelaide-raised Evans’ first major radio gig after deciding to exit television.
“I worked for Network 10 for a number of years, hosting Toasted TV and Totally Wild, which was incredibly fun,” he said.
“But after seven years of children's television I wanted a change, and I'd always wanted to do radio.
“I took a leap of faith and quit altogether, moved to Melbourne and started casual work at a station down there.
“I busted my chops and was lucky enough to get the chance up here.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Border, it’s got a great river lifestyle and a lot of nice cafes, so I think I'll settle in nicely.”
They begin 6am Monday.
