Nova axes popular radio star leaving staff shocked: 'You won't find a more decent human'

Mitch Lewis has been axed after 18 years at Nova's 106.9 in Brisbane.

The sports presenter and father of four was a fan favourite among the on-air talent and gained a large following for his humorous Mitch on the Street segment.

He was also the long-term anchor of the station's breakfast slot, including most recently The Nick, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill Show.

Management at Nova confirmed Lewis' surprise redundancy in a statement reported in The Sunday Mail.

'Mitch has made a valued contribution during his time with Nova 106.9, and we thank him for his commitment to the station and our listeners,' a spokesperson said.

'We wish Mitch all the very best for the future.'

'I loved every day working for Nova for the last 18 years, and I’m looking forward to what the next opportunity brings,' Lewis told the publication.

Nova Brisbane's newsreader, Ange Anderson, responded to the sad news with a personal message she posted on Radio Today.

'Having sat next to Mitch for a decade, you won’t find a more decent and loyal human!' she said.

'Enjoy the sleep-ins, mate, they’re bliss.'

Mitch, who is the son of NRL legend Wally Lewis, shares four children with his wife Sarah.

The couple welcomed their youngest, a daughter, Sophie, in June 2021.

Their growing family also includes three boys - James, William and Luke.

It's understood that Mitch will continue with his regular gig as on-field presenter for the NRL's Brisbane Broncos.

Mitch's axing comes after a wave of sackings at Nova over the last year.

Former stars Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton spoke out last month after they were gagged by the network following their sacking in September.

The Late Drive pair and co-host Belle Jackson were dropped after their contracts were not renewed.

Following the announcement, rival Australian Radio Network (ARN) confirmed in October that Ben and Liam would take the reins of the breakfast show, with Belle as producer, on KIIS FM Adelaide, formerly Mix 102.3.

While their last day on air was supposed to be December 12, after news of the ARN show broke, they were kicked off air immediately, with their final Nova show broadcast on October 24.

Speaking to News Corp, the popular duo revealed that they were surprised to learn that Nova had enacted a non-compete clause in their contract – effectively gagging them from the airwaves.

The non-compete clause meant that Ben and Liam were barred from broadcasting at another station for six months.

'We didn't think they would, but then they did,' Liam told the publication. Despite the pair's shock, Liam added that it's all water under the bridge.

'We’re here now [at KIIS 102.3], and we’re ready to give it a red hot crack,' he said.