Ray Hadley announces replacement after bombshell retirement from 2GB

Ray Hadley has announced his replacement after revealing he’ll be stepping away from hosting Sydney radio station 2GB’s morning show.

Hadley revealed Mark Levy would be stepping up to the mic as early as next Monday.

“That’s Mark Levy in the studio. He is my replacement as of next Monday, actually, he’s taking over,” Hadley told 2GB listeners on Tuesday morning.

“So that’s wonderful news for the station and wonderful news for our listeners as well.”

Hadley said he’d been receiving emails from listeners who wanted Levy to step in as his replacement.

“I’ve written back … and said ‘It’s not my decision, it’s a decision for management, and it’s been taken, and I can only hardly endorse the decision they’ve made’,” he said.

Levy, who hosts 2GB’s Wide World of Sports segment, has filled in for Hadley in the past.

The 40-year-old said he was “extremely honoured” to be filling the role.

“As a young kid I grew up listening to the talkback kings and to be taking over a timeslot that’s been owned by a mentor and a friend for the last 20 years is something I am excited about and extremely honoured to do,” Levy said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead and I can’t wait to speak to our loyal listeners every morning about the issues affecting them in what’s shaping up as an important election year.”

The major change comes after Hadley in November revealed he would be retiring from radio, with his last day tipped to be December 13.

“It’s been a hell of a ride from a young bloke who wanted to call the races, but the time has come for someone else to do the job,” Hadley told listeners in November.