Reason why Virginia Trioli, ABC Radio 774 Melbourne host, has vanished for months

ABC presenter Virginia Trioli was meant to return to her popular Melbourne radio program on Monday after a three-month break – but suddenly pulled out because of a ‘long and complex summer of family illness’. 

The Melbourne ABC Radio 774 host was due to return to the program this week, with her stand-in host Ali Moore welcoming Trioli back to her regular slot at the start and end of her show on Friday.

‘It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be with you over the last couple of months,’ Moore told listeners. 

‘VT will be back here on Monday in this chair.’ 

However, fans were left confused when Trioli did not resume her position on Monday morning.

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Virginia Trioli, host of Melbourne ABC Radio 774, was due to return to the program this week

She explained her absence on Twitter.

‘Some personal news: it’s been a long and complex summer of family illness, and my focus needs to be on home for now,’ the presenter wrote.

‘To my wonderful ABC Melbourne Mornings audience I’ll see you very soon, and many thanks to my ABC colleagues and management for their kindness and support. 

Trioli did not say when listeners could expect her back on the airwaves, but The Australian’s Media Diary suggested she may not return until after Easter.

Melbourne drive host Raf Epstein will likely to step in while she is away.

Fans flooded her Twitter profile with messages of support and encouragement.

‘Wishing you and your dear family all the best and be assured that we are so looking forward to having you back on our radio but only when the time is right for you and yours,’ one user wrote.

Trioli did not say when listeners could expect her back on the airwaves, but it has been suggested she may not return until after Easter

Another said: ‘I turned the radio on at 08h30 looking forward to hearing you and was sad to hear you have illness in the family. Hope you are managing during a difficult time. All the best.’

Trioli announced her three-month hiatus in December last year, but rumours emerged claiming she may ditch her radio gig for TV.

It was previously reported the ABC was in the early stages of developing the prime time program.

Trioli has previously hosted arts-based episodes for the public broadcaster’s panel discussion program, Q+A. She has also hosted Sunday Arts and Artscape.