Radio duo Tim Ross and Merrick Watts have denied rumours of a fall out after Ross decided to quit their breakfast show.

The comedy pair, best known as Merrick and Rosso, said that they have come to a mutual decision that they will go their separate ways next year.

Ross said on Tuesday morning's slot: "This is not the end of Merrick and Rosso - it's the end of me being part of Nova 969 and the breakfast show."

Ross, who has hosted with Watts since 2001, said that they would continue to do stand-up comedy together and added: "Mezzo, I love you like a brother."

Former Home and Away actress Kate Ritchie, who has been presenting with the duo for the past two years, has also announced that she will be departing the station to pursue acting projects.