Tim Ross excited about Merrick Watts quitting radio show

Tim Ross has spoken in public for the first time since his former radio partner Merrick Watts quit his breakfast show.

The pair used to present Nova's morning slot together until Ross left 19 months ago and, now that Watts has announced his plans to quit, Ross said that his former colleague will enjoy what lies ahead.

Ross told The Daily Telegraph: "Merrick's announcement reminds me of everything I went through almost two years ago when I left the show and he stayed. It now seems like such a long time ago for me but I have discovered a whole different world.

"He is embarking on a new part of his life as I did - and the last couple of years of my life have been the best I've ever had, and I think he's going to enjoy the change as much as I did."

Ross also said that he and Watts have "communicated by text" since the announcement, but added: "Of course we're going to catch up."

When Ross left Nova in 2009, there were rumours of awkwardness and jealousy between the pair, but they insisted that they loved each other "like brothers".

Comedy duo Michael Wipfli and Ryan Fitzgerald have now been announced as Watts's replacements.