DUMPED RADIO HOST DEE DEE DUNLEAVY HAS THE LAST LAUGH
Radio presenter Dee Dee Dunleavy has topped the latest radio ratings a day after being axed from her afternoon show at Melbourne's 3AW.
Dunleavy, who was dropped from her afternoon show on Monday, celebrated a win in Tuesday's survey with 12.9 per cent share, up from 0.9 per cent.
Gold FM came second with 12.4 per cent share, while Fox FM placed third with 10 per cent.
Dunleavy has not commented on her ratings triumph.
The beloved radio host's shock departure was announced by 3AW on Monday morning, shortly after she was told her her services were no longer required.
'3AW has agreed to an early conclusion for Dee Dee Dunleavy's on air role, after informing the broadcaster her contract would not be renewed at the end of the year,' the station said in a statement.
The station's statement also included a quote from Dunleavy saying, 'I'm happy to leave on a high, and with a record that I feel very proud of.'
A gutted Dunleavy took to Twitter revealing her devastation at the abrupt exit.
'I was having the time of my life in my job. I'm devastated that it has come to an end,' she wrote.
The radio station's manager Stephen Beers said he wanted 'to thank Dee Dee for her three and a half years on Afternoons and before that her stint on Weekend Break with Grubby'.
'She's been a great part of the 3AW line up,' he said.
Dunleavy said she 'took over the Afternoons program just as the pandemic plunged us into lockdown, and so I faced the dual challenge of navigating a new show – remotely – while keeping the audience informed and entertained'.
She thanked the listeners who had propelled the show during the pandemic.
'I am forever grateful to all the callers who shared with me on air their grief at losing loved ones, and their anguish at losing their jobs and businesses.
'For those who were isolated I hope I was part of the comfort and connection that radio brought to them during that time.'
Dunleavy added that she 'thoroughly enjoyed hearing diverse opinions and discussing the stories that matter to Melbourne.
'I am grateful to 3AW for giving me the opportunity to grow my skills as a talkback presenter for the last 11 years.'
Though her contract is not up until the end of the year, Dunleavy will not get a chance to go on air to say goodbye to her listeners.
Instead, the station announced that Elise Elliott will fill in on the Afternoons show this week, with a decision about a permanent replacement to follow.
Meanwhile, the Herald Sun reported recent 3AW recruit Jacqui Felgate is tipped to be taking over from Dee Dee, in the hopes of attracting a younger audience.
The former 7News presenter, 40, is said to be the 'golden child' at the station with network executives considering making her Dunleavy's permanent replacement.
Back in February, Felgate joined the 3AW AFL Broadcast Team to provide pre-game coverage for Friday night footy matches and has excelled in the role.
While insiders say the glamorous footy host is the popular choice to replace Dunleavy, other contenders include presenters Heidi Murphy and Emily Power.
A decision will be made about the permanent replacement in the near future.