The Pick Up co-host Mitch Churi breaks news of his axing from popular KIIS radio show on-air

Headshot of David Johns
David Johns
The Nightly
Brittany Hockley, left, Mitch Churi and Laura Byrne.
Brittany Hockley, left, Mitch Churi and Laura Byrne. Credit: Supplied/The Nightly

One of the hosts of popular KIIS radio show The Pick Up has revealed they won’t be returning in 2025 — and that it wasn’t their decision — in an emotional on-air segment.

Mitch Churi, who has co-hosted the show with Brittany Hockley and Laura Byrne since 2019, said he was told by KIIS Network owners ARN that he would be departing the show.

“Late last week, I was informed by the powers that be,” he said.

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“They have identified my roles... as roles that won’t be returning in 2025. I just want to say that it wasn’t my decision. It wasn’t my call.

“I really wanted to stay on this show with the two of you.”

Churi became emotional when he recalled his first days in radio, working on the Kyle and Jackie O show when he was 19.

“I was a kid who dreamt to have a show like this,” he said.

“And now I’ve had a show like this. And now I’ve got way more time to dream of more dreams.”

Byrne chimed in with tears streaming down her face, saying she was “utterly devastated”.

“This is not what we want for the show,” she said.

“It’s a decision that’s been made that’s out of our control. As you know, Britt and I, we have to continue on doing the show without you and we are utterly devastated.”

Hockley’s voice wavered as she told Churi he was not only their co-host but also “one of our best friends”.

Churi also paid tribute to the listeners who embraced him and his journey over the years.

The news comes on the same day that rivals Triple M reportedly sacked NSW State of Origin legend Mark ‘MG’ Geyer from his Sydney breakfast segment with comedian Mick Molloy.

The switch-ups come as both SCA and ARN shuffle their decks ahead of the new year.

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