The 48-year-old will finish her tenure at the end of July.
“This has been a very big decision. I’m very grateful for the past wonderful 20 years at Seven. I want to thank the Network for giving me the chance to enjoy every broadcast journalism experience possible,” Chris said in a statement on Tuesday morning.
“I’ve loved it all, worked with some amazing people and made lifelong friends at Seven. It has been a tough decision to leave, but years ago I left a great job in regional television because I didn’t want to say ‘What if?’ about life, and I feel with all that experience on board now, the time is right again to explore new horizons,” she added.
The Sydney local has enjoyed a long and fruitful career at Seven, which first began in 1996. She’s worked on a range of top-rating shows which included Seven’s Morning News, political show Face to Face and Sunday Sunrise.
Melissa Doyle will be replacing Chris on Sunday Night and the 6pm news bulletins on Fridays and Saturdays.
Most recently, the mother-of-one was the host of news and current affairs program Sunday Night and delivered the evening news on Fridays and Saturdays.
Channel Seven confirmed Melissa Doyle will be stepping in to replace her on both Sunday Night and for the 6pm news bulletins.
Kerry Stokes, Chairman of Seven West Media said of Chris’ departure: “After two decades of impeccable work at Seven News and more recently, hosting and reporting for Sunday Night, Chris has established a legion of fans, on both sides of the camera.”
“For all of the long days that inevitably turn into long nights, I thank Chris for not once taking the easy way to get the facts that get the story. Chris has always been there to work in the community, especially with schools, and has made trips to Perth to help with Telethon.”
“I’ll miss her sense of humour and on air professionalism. Channel Seven will always have a place for Chris, in the meantime however, I wish her every success for the future.”
Wishing Chris the best of luck on this exciting new chapter!
