Paul Henry off to new job next week

Paul Henry. Photo / Doug Sherring

Radiolive host Paul Henry is quitting his radio show six weeks ahead of schedule to focus on his new job in Sydney.

Henry returns this week to end his 3pm-6pm Radio Live slot before crossing the Tasman to prepare for the launch of his Australian television breakfast show on February 27.

He was meant to be doing the show through to the end of March.

"I am disappointed that I couldn't continue with the drive show as planned," Henry said. "My time at RadioLive is one of the best jobs I have had and I want to say a proper goodbye to my listeners."

The vacancy created by the abrupt end has created room for a debut in the news and current affairs slot by Rodney Hide, the former Act leader and MP.

Henry's relationship with RadioLive and TV3, through owners MediaWorks, endures with his appearance tonight on TV3's new comedy panel show Would I Lie To You?

Henry will also become RadioLive's new Australia correspondent, filing daily reports from across the Tasman.

MediaWorks boss Sussan Turner said she was excited about Henry's show this week although sorry his return was going to be shorter than planned.

"We worked closely with Paul to find a way for him to continue hosting Drive through until the end of March but as the Ten job became more defined it was clear this wouldn't be logistically possible."

She said she was thrilled with Would I Lie To You? calling it the "perfect Sunday night show".

Hide, who will do tomorrow's 3pm-6pm radio show, said he was looking forward to hosting on occasional days over the next few months. "It's going to be so much more fun asking the questions than having to answer them."

He said his experience of being on the receiving end was likely to give him empathy with those he interviewed.

Would I Lie To You? Tonight on TV3 at 7pm.