Humans are creatures of habit and our TV watching practices are no different. Most of us will watch the same morning show, or listen to the same radio show so often the personalities become part of our lives, almost friends – or dare we say, family.
When a host decides to move on it’s always going to be a bit of shock, though some exits are definitely more shocking than others.
We’ve ranked 5 Australian media departures that left us all gobsmacked from 5 to 1.
5. Osher Gunsberg quits radio to concentrate on his Bachelor work
Osher Gunsberg is arguably one of the most loved names (and coifs) in Australian television thanks to ongoing work as host of the Bachelor and the Bachelorette.
Earlier this month Osher announced live on air that we would be leaving Hit105 radio station which he has been working on for two years.
It was a shock Osher was leaving radio, but his delivery also left us speechless. He chose to sing the news to his fellow hosts.
“I’m leaving Brisbane, I got too busy making TV. I tried to make it. My schedule couldn’t take it, plus they offered me some more money,” Osher sang.
4. Dr Chris Brown leaving Bondi Vet
In what could possibly be the saddest news for animal lovers around the country other than your pet crossing the rainbow bridge, it was announced in March this year that Dr Chris Brown would not be returning for the next season of Bondi Vet.
“Unfortunately Dr Chris Brown won’t be on the show in the future because he is too busy with his commitments as co-host on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and as a travel reporter on The Living Room,” Steve Oemcke, WTFN’s Director of Content, said in a statement.
“During eight seasons on Bondi Vet, Chris has certainly set the standard for TV vets, so the new Bondi Vet has very big shoes to fill.”
Sorry but we all know Dr Chris is irreplaceable.
3. Grant Denyer
After 10 years as the weatherman on Seven’s breakfast show, Sunrise, Grant Denyer resigned live on air.
He also tweeted his goodbye which read:
“Chicks & dudes of Oz, a pleasure being a human crash test dummy 4 our entertainment. 8 epic years of stunts, gags & outback locations. proud.”
What was most shocking about this departure, besides general surprise, was shock jock Kyle Sandilands response: “@grantdenyer Can’t wait to see you over at Channel 9 mate! K”
But Kyle was just, “having fun” and Nine said it had no plans to hire Grant.
Grant now hosts Family Feud.
2. Mel Doyle
Mel’s departure from Sunrise was surrounded by bewilderment and controversy.
Melissa Doyle broke down on air announcing she was leaving the show after 14 years in 2013. This was followed by reports the popular presenter was told to take a pay cut of $150,000 and quit the show, something that Mel has always denied.
Following reports of Mel being “axed” for “younger presenter”, Samantha Armytage, there were fears of a viewer backlash that never eventuated.
There is still debate over the reason for Mel’s departure.
1. Lisa Wilkinson
The one who inspired the post.
Long-time Today Show host Lisa Wilkinson has announced on Twitter that she is leaving the show after a decade and going to Ten. Monday was her last day on the breakfast program.
Lisa will be joining news and current-affairs program The Project as co-host alongside Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly and Peter Helliar. She will also be hosting The Sunday Project.
The 57-year-old announced the news on Twitter earlier tonight, writing: “I have some news. I’m sad to say that today was my last day on The today show. The following statement is from Channel Nine..”
According to the statement, Channel Nine could not reach an agreement with Lisa to extend her contract for her hosting duties on the breakfast program. Over the weekend, The Sunday Telegraph reported that Lisa was waiting for equal pay to her co-host Karl Stefanovic to re-sign a new contract.
It’ll take is a while to get over this one
