Jo Stanley
Jo Stanley | |
|---|---|
| Born | Joanne McFarlane (born Bailey) |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, presenter |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | The Matt and Jo Show, Jo & Lehmo, Broad Radio podcast/platform |
Joanne McFarlane (born Bailey), professionally recognized as Jo Stanley, is an Australian comedian and presenter active in both television and radio.
Stanley was the host of Jo & Lehmo on Gold 104.3 between 2016 and 2017. Prior to that, she led Weekend Breakfast on the Hit Network and was a key figure on The Matt and Jo Show broadcast on Fox FM from 2003 through 2013. In 2020, she initiated the Broad Radio podcast, which evolved into a comprehensive radio platform by 2024.
Career
Stanley's television appearances span shows such as Clever, Temptation, The Panel, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Thank God You're Here, The Project, and Hughesy, We Have a Problem.
Her radio journey commenced at Fox FM alongside Jodie J Hill, where they hosted Sunday night slots before transitioning to mornings with their well-received program Jodie & Jo. During the late 1990s, Stanley and Hill also co-presented Boob Tube, a comedic variety show aired on Melbourne's community television station Channel 31.
In 2003, the duo shifted to Triple M to present The Whole Shebang. Later that year, Stanley took over from Tracy Bartram on Fox FM’s breakfast show, joining forces with Matt Tilley and Adam Richard to create Matt, Jo and Benno with the Fabulous Adam Richard. Following Craig Bennett’s exit, the program was renamed The Matt & Jo Show. This show maintained dominance in Melbourne’s breakfast radio ratings for more than five years until its conclusion in November 2013; it was subsequently replaced by Fifi & Dave.
Prior to her radio career, Stanley performed with Melbourne’s comedy ensemble The Toasted Marshmallows (later known as The Gorskys) and participated in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She also made appearances on Thank God You're Here.
In 2007, Stanley competed on the reality singing show It Takes Two partnered with Anthony Callea, finishing as the runner-up. She acted in the 2008 short film Corrections.
Stanley co-hosted Network Ten’s short-lived series Yasmin's Getting Married and featured on Seven Network’s lifestyle program Good as Gold.
Beginning January 2014, she took over national hosting duties for Weekend Breakfast on the Hit Network. In November 2015, Stanley succeeded Brigitte Duclos as co-host of Gold 104.3’s breakfast show alongside Lehmo; despite achieving strong audience numbers, the program was discontinued in November 2017 and replaced by Christian O'Connell in early 2018.
In February 2019, Stanley became a co-host of Seven Network’s lifestyle series House of Wellness, joining Luke Darcy, Rachael Finch, and Luke Hines.
On 23 September 2024, Stanley expanded Broad Radio from a podcast launched in early 2020 into a fully-fledged radio platform. Its inaugural broadcast aired on 7 October, featuring a variety of co-hosts and topics.
Personal life
Stanley attended Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School as well as Donvale Christian School during her education.
Her birth surname is Bailey; she adopted the stage name Stanley—derived from her husband Darren McFarlane's last name—to distinguish herself from fashion expert Jo Silvagni (née Bailey) and hairdresser Joh Bailey.
In August 2008, Stanley revealed that she and her husband were expecting their first child; their daughter was born in March 2009.
She is a supporter of the Collingwood Football Club competing in the Australian Football League, and holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Monash University, majoring in drama and theatre studies.