News February 5, 2020

Michael Hing set to replace Veronica Milsom as triple j Drive co-host

Image: triple j

triple j has released their latest lineup change with comedian Michael Hing replacing Veronica Milsom as Drive co-host with Lewis Hobba.

It has been a big year of changes for triple j listeners, as host after host departs. In October, fans were saddened to hear the news of the beloved Breakfast duo Ben and Liam leaving for new horizons. Shortly after, Hack’s host Tom Tilley stepped down. Following that, Mornings presenters Linda Marigliano and Gen Fricker said goodbye.

As host farewells continue to emerge, triple j announced their newest replacement for Drive being comedian, and friend of the show, Michael Hing. Of course, Hing is no stranger to triple j listeners, having performed at triple j’s One Night Stand Up.

Although Hing is stoked to be co-hosting Drive, he hilariously revealed his only reservation: “I’m really excited to be hosting triple j Drive with Veronica. She’s a close friend, a great comedian and someone I’ve always looked up to… wait, Veronica’s the one leaving? So I’m hosting with Lewis? Okay, I guess that’s fine.”

Lewis Hobba was also included in the search for a new co-host, but had a few stipulations, stating, “I only had one demand for Veronica’s replacement: find me someone who has run for the Australian senate AND been nominated for Bachelor of the Year. If I knew that meant I’d end up with Michael Hing I would’ve made a different demand. But here we are.”

With the responses of their new pairing both being of a sarcastic nature, there’s no doubt that they’ll make a cheeky team, bringing countless laughs, and helping drivers on their evening commutes deal with time spent in traffic in a jovial way.

excited to take my new radio show with @hingers for a spin 😎 coming to @triplej in 2 weeks pic.twitter.com/pGoOAlxpQR

— Lewis Hobba (@LewisHobba) February 4, 2020

Although the new pairing will undoubtedly be a hit with triple j listeners, Hobba will miss Milsom wholeheartedly, and Milsom will miss being part of the team. “The impact Lewis has had on me will be everlasting,” Milsom stated. “Literally, his name is tattooed on me. I’ll never forget him, even if I wanted to.”

Hobba’s response was equally as sincere: “Since we met at high school I’ve spent more time with Veronica than anyone else, and I still get excited to see her every day. Veronica has a beautiful, weird brain and it’s been a joy to watch Australia fall in love with the way she looks at the world.”

“I could go on forever but Veronica gets *very* uncomfortable around heartfelt farewells, which is why I hope everyone says something nice to her before she goes. She’ll absolutely hate it.”

You can catch the new duo, Hing & Lewis, on Drive everyday at 3pm on triple j from Monday, February 24th.