Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little Experience Awkward On-Air Moment Amid 'Toxic' Split Reports
Radio hosts Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little faced an uncomfortable on-air exchange following reports of a significant rift between them as their long-running show concludes.
Radio personalities Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little navigated an awkward on-air moment on Monday, a situation occurring shortly after reports surfaced detailing a reportedly "toxic" rift between the co-hosts. The pair, whose national Hit Network drive show is set to conclude at the end of the year, experienced a slip of the tongue from Bickmore that was misheard as an expletive.
The incident occurred while Little was discussing his weekend meal. "I had a chilli con carne that I reheated in the microwave. It was too hot to eat!" Little stated. Bickmore responded with what sounded like "Chilli con can't!", a comment that was bleeped out and visibly surprised Little. "Do you realise what you just said?" he asked.
Bickmore later clarified on social media, explaining her intention was playful banter. "So just for clarification….he was saying the chilli con carne was too hot to eat so I was trying to say chilli con 'carn't', more like it. Context is important," she joked.
This on-air gaffe follows reports of a significant deterioration in the relationship between the presenters. Industry insiders have described the situation as a "nasty rift," with claims that the two are struggling to be in the same room when not broadcasting.
"Carrie and Tommy are not speaking," one source told the Daily Mail. "Things are so toxic, you barely get them in a room together if the mics aren't on."
These allegations contrast with the public image of a close friendship that propelled them to popularity on Australian radio and fueled years of speculation about a romantic relationship. Romance rumors first gained traction in early 2023 after Bickmore announced her separation from her long-term partner, Chris Walker. Little was also single at the time, having split from his former girlfriend Natalie Kyriacou in 2021. Despite the public's interest, neither Bickmore nor Little has publicly confirmed a romantic relationship.
Sources have dismissed the notion that the two are currently an item, with one insider calling the gossip "laughable" and stating that any past romantic involvement is "absolutely no longer the case."
The reported rift coincides with reports that Bickmore was negotiating a move to ARN independently, rather than as a package deal with Little. It has since been confirmed that Bickmore will join KIIS FM, replacing the drive-time show hosted by Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw.