A Hobart breakfast radio show was overcome with emotion this morning when co-host Christie Hayes revealed she’s pregnant, marking the end of a four-year fertility struggle that has played out live on-air.
Hayes, a former Home and Away and Neighbours star, co-hosts the Hit breakfast show with Dan Taylor.
She surprised Dan during the live broadcast with a lunchbox filled with positive pregnancy tests, turning what began as an ordinary morning into a tearful, joyful milestone.
“I am five weeks pregnant today,” Hayes told listeners. “I found out on Friday that I was pregnant. But I didn’t want to tell you … because I’ve been there before and had bad news.”
The 38-year-old has been documenting her IVF journey publicly, sharing the highs and devastating lows with her audience in a bid to help others feel less alone.
Her most recent embryo transfer happened in March, a day she described as full of nerves and cautious optimism. “I’m shaking thinking about it, but trying to feel good,” she had told listeners before the procedure.
This pregnancy follows several failed IVF rounds over three years, including the heartbreak of a miscarriage. Hayes has previously spoken candidly about experiencing a “non-viable” pregnancy and the emotional toll of repeated setbacks.
“It’s been four years in the making, like we’ve been trying to have a baby,” Hayes said. “You feel like you just can’t keep trying. But like you said, you have that little egg there. There is still hope.”
Co-host Dan Taylor, who has supported Hayes every step of the way, was visibly moved by the surprise. “This is honestly the greatest moment in my life. Like, I’m so happy for you,” he said.
The heartfelt moment sparked an outpouring of support from listeners, some of whom called in to share their own fertility stories. One caller, Bec, revealed she had undergone 36 IVF procedures.
“I knew it would happen. I told you that it would happen,” Bec said.
Hayes’ baby is due on December 4, a number that holds special meaning for her and husband Justin Coombes-Pearce.
“Our lucky number is four. And isn’t it funny how it was our fourth round of IVF in our fourth year of marriage and everything has just worked out and you never think it’s going to when you’re doing IVF,” Hayes said.
“That’s the thing. You’re in such a painful time that you can’t see it working out. But sometimes it does. And a lot of the time it does.”
The announcement comes after Hayes spoke openly about feeling “exhausted” by the IVF process and unsure if she could continue.
Now in her second trimester, she says all early signs are positive.
“I just want you to know that if you are going through IVF or if you’re trying to have a baby, I have been where you are,” Hayes said. “I know how hard it is.”
“I just want you to know that it can happen. And that when you least expect it, your life can change. And sometimes everything is just ok.”
