Perth’s 96FM radio reveals Russell Clarke to replace Dean ‘Clairsy’ Clairs as breakfast co-host with Lisa Shaw

After rocking the Perth radio scene on Monday with an on-air announcement of his departure from 96FM’s top-rating breakfast show, Dean Clairs dropped another bombshell on Friday when he and co-host Lisa Shaw revealed Clairsy’s replacement.

Russell Clarke will step into one of the most coveted gigs in Perth radio, at the city’s No.1 station, joining Shaw from Monday.

Clarke is a familiar voice for 96FM listeners, having previously hosted the Afternoons show at the station before departing earlier this year.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to 96FM, after a little time off, and working again with Lisa, who I have known for many years,” Clarke told The West Australian.

“I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with 96FM’s listeners, and, together with Lisa, getting the day underway, with just great songs and plenty of laughs.”

Shaw said the departure of Clairsy was like saying goodbye to a brother, but she and Clarke “go way back”, so it was like reuniting with her “other brother”.

Clairsy’s final week has rivalled the farewell tour of a beloved band, with tributes flowing in from a star-studded array of guests.

But his last show on Friday contained the piece de resistance.

“Good morning, Clairsy. How are you going? Prime Minister here,” a very distinctive voice said down the phone line.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a regular guest on the show this year, and called to wish the broadcaster a fond farewell.

The PM enquired why the host was hanging up the boots at 60, which Albo claimed was “the new 40”.

“I was just hoping you didn’t tamper with the super,” Clairsy quipped.

It was Albo’s turn to crack a gag when asked if the outgoing Perth disc jockey could find a gig as a wedding DJ at the PM’s iminent nuptials to Jodie Haydon.

“I think it’s going to be a bit smaller than needing a professional DJ,” the PM said.

Talking about side hustles, Shaw had her own suggestion for the PM, asking if he was available as a potential co-host in future.

“If things don’t work out for me in my job, then maybe. But I hope I’m not available for a little while yet,” he joked.

The all-new Lisa & Russell show will feature an increased dose of listener favourite Adrian Barich, with the Seven News sports guru upping his on-air presence to appear on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

West Coast Eagle Elliot Yeo and Fremantle Docker Hayden Young and the other regular guests from the Clairsy & Lisa Show will also be returning.

The Lisa & Russell show airs from 6am Monday.