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Toni Street’s new passion: I couldn’t say no!

The bubbly TV presenter seizes a fab opportunity
Toni Street

Television golden girl Toni Street has always been one of those people who likes to keep busy. But with a full-time job hosting current-affairs show Seven Sharp and two young daughters at home not to mention battling a serious health condition – even Toni admits that taking on a second job wasn’t high on her to-do list.

Yet when the offer of hosting a Saturday morning radio show on The Hits with her close pal and former Breakfast co-star Sam Wallace came along, it was too good to refuse. “It was a massive decision to make and I toyed with it for a long time,” the bubbly blonde tells us. “But in the end, it’s such a perfect job for me, so I just couldn’t say no. I’ve missed working with Sam and I’ve always wanted to give radio a go. It’s a dream job!”

Nevertheless, making sure her embattled health was up to it and that the extra hours wouldn’t affect daughters, Juliette, three, and Mackenzie, almost one, was a top priority for this down-to-earth mum. “I know it sounds like I’m taking on a lot, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t think I could make it work. Everybody knows my girls come first. The reality is, it’s a flexible role – Sam and I can do big chunks of the show throughout the week. The girls probably won’t even notice any difference, to be honest!”

Hanging out at home on Auckland’s North Shore with her new co-host and longtime friend, TVNZ weatherman Sam, 35, it’s clear Toni is feeling better than she has in months. With Mackenzie asleep in her cot and Juliette playing happily, a relaxed Toni tells us that 2016 is shaping up to be a good one. It’s a welcome turnaround from last year, when she was diagnosed with life-threatening autoimmune disorder Churg-Strauss syndrome. With her organs on the brink of failure, Toni endured 10 months of gruelling intravenous steroid treatment and had to be constantly monitored in case chemotherapy was needed.

Fortunately, Toni’s specialist believes she’s in remission and hopes that her next steroid treatment will be the last. “I feel so much better now,” Toni, 32, tells us. And indeed, she looks it – the telltale puffiness has gone and her eyes have their sparkle back. “I am almost back to normal and it’s just such a huge relief. I couldn’t have even considered doing something like this radio show last year, but now it’s like I’m my old self again and I’ve got my life back. It’s the best feeling.”

Party time!

Toni and Sam, who first met while working together on TV One’s Saturday Breakfast almost five years ago, will begin their new show on April 2 – which also happens to be the day of adorable Mackenzie’s first birthday party. Typically, Toni is taking the double whammy in her stride. “It will be a big day of firsts – it’s actually super-exciting! I’ll get the show done, then rush home in time for the party.”

The celebration will be owl-themed, thanks to her little girl’s adorable nickname. “We call her Hooty because of her big owl-like eyes,” Toni smiles. “She’s the joy of our lives because she’s just the happiest little thing. She really goes with the flow. It’s hard to believe she’s turning one already. It’s gone so fast.”

Double happy

Meanwhile, Sam, who lives just 10 minutes down the road from Toni and her husband Matt France, can’t hide his excitement about teaming up with his old mate again. “She’s my favourite. We formed such a strong bond on Saturday Breakfast and you never forget those sorts of friendships. I just love working with her. She’s such a positive person. I actually thought she was being sarcastic when I first met her – I didn’t think it was possible for someone to be so nice!” Toni smiles, “I remember Sam joining the team and I just knew after the first day that we were going to be mates. He’s hilarious – we have such a good time together.”

Sam admits he was “gravely worried” last year when Toni became ill and says she’s a continual inspiration to him. “She’s unbelievable – she’s like Superwoman. She’s got a full-time job and two kids, yet I turn up here and see her garden is all done! It’s not right. It puts the rest of us to shame,” he laughs. “Seriously, though, the way she deals with these stumbling blocks in her life and remains so warm and unaffected is such a testament to her.”

But always the joker, Sam informs us that Toni’s Seven Sharp co-host Mike Hosking is “incredibly jealous” that he’ll be working alongside Toni now as well! “He went for the job but didn’t get it,” Sam deadpans. “It’s because I’m much more handsome and taller.” Laughing, Toni says the two co-hosts in her life couldn’t be much more different. She describes Ferrari-driving, fashion- loving Mike as “Mr Sophisticated” and sports-mad Sam as “more of your everyday bloke”.

“They’re like chalk and cheese,” she says. “But I still have the same result with both of them – they make me laugh hysterically. And they’re both incredibly hard workers and so good at what they do. I’m lucky to have them.”

Reunited! Toni and Sam are bringing the laughs and good times to Saturday morning radio.

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