Jessica Rowe has spoken out for the first time following her shock departure announcement.
Taking to Instagram, the 47-year-old toasted to “new beginnings” alongside a happy-as-ever picture of herself, daughter Giselle and the family cat. She also thanked fans for their continued love and support.
She captioned the celebratory pic: “Today is Friday! Friday is rose – and new beginnings!!! Thank YOU for all your beautiful messages of love and support!! ❤️❤️” adding the hash-tags, “#craphousewife #crazycatlady #relieved#werealldoingthebestwecan #youareenough#thankyou #blessed #glitterrules#thankyouthankyouthankyou”
The mother-of-two didn’t address speculation she had been forced out of the coveted position.
Jessica’s husband, Peter Overton, also opened up following her surprise exit.
“I speak as a husband and father,” read a screenshot shared to his Instagram. “My admiration for Jessica knows no bounds… This morning when I asked 11-year-old Allegra how she felt that Mum was going to be home in the mornings… she said ‘I am a billion times happy’ … and that says it all.”
Jess announced her plans to leave Studio 10 live on air during Friday’s episode.
“After much soul searching and discussions with my family, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to leave Studio 10,” she told the panel and audience.
“Studio 10 has been the best job I have ever had in media and it has been an absolute privilege to be with the show for more than four years. Thank you to the team for believing in me and giving me such an incredible opportunity to find my voice and confidence again.”
Jess, whose final appearance on the TV programme will be on Friday, March 30, went on to say that while leaving Studio 10 will allow her to spend more time with her family, it wasn’t a decision that came easily.
“Stepping back from Studio 10 will give me more time for content creation and public speaking and to be more present with my beautiful family. I am going to miss my wonderful friends and colleagues at Studio 10 and wish them nothing but the very best for the future,” she continued.
“Studio 10 is more than just a television show, it is a family, with a great team both on and off air, and I know it will continue to prosper.”
Shortly after Jessica’s announcement, the show’s former executive producer, Rob McKnight, tweeted that the network had been “planning to sack her for over a year.”
He wrote: “Sad to hear @JessRowe is leaving Studio10au. @channelten have been planning to sack her for over a year. She blamed me, even though I was trying to save her job.”
A Ten spokesperson later denied McKnight’s claims telling News.com.au:
“Mr McKnight’s claim is completely wrong, obviously spiteful and deliberately misleading. As Jess said, she has decided to leave Studio 10 to devote more time to her family and her other interests. Anyone who suggests otherwise is being petty and ignorant. Jess is welcome back to Ten anytime.”
Best of luck on your next venture, Jess!
