Fans react to Polly and Grant's shock split

Polly Gillespie and Grant Kereama announced their break-up on their show this morning. Photo / NZPA

Fans of radio hosts Polly Gillespie and Grant Kereama have reacted with shock and sadness to their unexpected split.

The well-known couple, who host The Hits breakfast show, made the announcement on air this morning - and were offered support from sympathetic listeners.

"There's still a lot of love between us after so many years of marriage. We were hoping to say we've 'consciously uncoupled' but quickly realised that Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin had already used that - let's just run with it and hope they don't see.

"We're happy, loving and the best of friends. We absolutely love working together - even after getting up at 3am for so many years (and there will be many more!) We are still so committed to our family and our listening family."

A caller named Tessa said that Gillespie and Kereama had been courageous in publicly announcing their separation.

"I don't think you guys should be sad or nervous or worried about what others think," she said

"What you did I think is courageous, to admit that 'hey it's not working', and to take that step to separate is something not many people could do."

Another caller named Jenna agreed with Tessa and assured The Hits hosts that their listeners would support them in their break-up.

"You guys have been so courageous and we've got you," she said. "Your listeners are here for you, they support you, they love you, they idolize you - I'm just sitting here saying my part."

The outpouring of support continued online, as fans of the popular pair heard the news.

Dani Revell wrote on Twitter that she was in the shower when she heard the news and compared the split to the high-profile break-up of Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale.

Shame about Polly and Grant. Marriage break ups are awful. Probably worse in the public eye.

— Marcus (@MarcusDCook) August 11, 2015

For those who don't know, they're are probably one of New Zealand's most famous radio hosts who have been together for a very long time!

— ari (@mwahmercury) August 11, 2015

Rather sad to hear this.
LISTEN: Polly & Grant announce their separation on air this morning.http://t.co/iXHtxiCKV3

— Rob Treacher (@robtreacher) August 11, 2015

Polly and grant have seperated. Never saw that coming 😕

— Tamara Martinez (@timtamarawr) August 11, 2015

awww Polly and Grant :(

— danielle (@_heyitsdan_) August 11, 2015

Gillespie and Grant and have three children and first worked together on Wellington's ZMFM breakfast show in 1991.

Last year they moved from ZM to The Hits, which caters to adult audiences.

- nzherald.co.nz