LOCAL ABC breakfast radio host Ross Solly announced today he will be leaving the station in December after nine years in the chair, and over 20 years with the national broadcaster.

A statement from ABC 666 Canberra describes Solly as “a popular and trustworthy voice on breakfast radio” whose “deep connection with the ACT community and intelligent wit has kept him at the forefront of breakfast radio in the Capital”.

“It’s been thrilling and a real privilege to host 666 Breakfast,” says Solly, who is moving to Bangkok with his family next year, where his partner Samantha Hawley will take up a new post for ABC News as a South East Asia correspondent.

“I think over nine years I’ve proven myself to be one of this community’s most adept early morning risers. I’m proud that in those nine years I’ve not once slept in, so I’m looking forward to that change.

“Over the years I’ve tried to call things as I see them. I know I have turned the hair of all my managers a funky shade of grey but I do sincerely appreciate the faith and patience they’ve shown in me. I’m incredibly grateful to the listeners for making my day so much more enjoyable, and letting me into their lives. They truly now feel like my friends.

“I look forward to what 2014 has to offer and to spending quality time with my kids, but I hope one day I will be back in this beautiful city. Probably just emptying the bins around the station.”

The breakfast program has consistently been one of Canberra’s top-rating Breakfast shows.

The ABC’s local content manager for the ACT, Andrea Ho, acknowledged the huge contribution Ross has made.

“Ross has his finger on Canberra’s pulse,” says Ho. “He is smart, funny and has the ability to mix light and shade with the turn of just a few words. I’ve enjoyed waking up to him every morning. 666 ABC Canberra will be sad to see Ross leave, but this is an exciting time for him, and we all wish him the very best.”