Former Miss Universe Australia Scherri-Lee Biggs has been appointed as 9News Melbourne’s new weather presenter, replacing long-serving broadcaster Livinia Nixon.
Biggs, crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2011, takes on the role after a decade reporting the weather for 9News Perth, beginning in 2014.
She has also regularly filled in on the Today show’s summer edition and appeared across the Nine network on programs including Postcards, Destination WA and Celebrity Apprentice Australia.
“Melbourne holds a truly special place in my heart,” Biggs said In a statement to the Herald Sun
“As the home city of my husband, [former AFL star] Daniel [Venables], we are greatly looking forward to reconnecting with family and raising our daughter, Isla, here.”
“It is a sincere privilege to join the exceptional team at 9News Melbourne and work alongside Alicia, Tom and Tony, and I truly can’t wait to connect with the viewers,” she added.
Biggs will make her on-air debut on January 18, the opening night of the Australian Open, joining Alicia Loxley, Tom Steinfort and Tony Jones.
Hugh Nailon, Nine’s National News Director, welcomed her appointment.
“We are delighted to welcome Scherri-Lee to the forefront of our news team,” he said.
“Her extensive experience and brilliant live broadcasting ability will be a wonderful asset to our newsroom.”
Biggs’s arrival follows Nixon’s announcement last month that she would step back from presenting the weather after more than 20 years in the role. Nixon said the decision was driven by a desire to focus on her family as her two sons enter high school.
“After 20 years presenting weather on 9News, I’ve decided to step back from this role. My sons will both be in high school and I want to be there to support them. It’s been a privilege to be welcomed into viewers’ homes for so long, but this is the right time for my family,” she said in a statement, referencing her sons Henry and Ted.
“Presenting the weather has shaped my life and career. I owe this role everything but this is the right decision for me. When I discussed it with our boys, they said ‘we’re pretty excited to spend more time with you, Mum.’”
Nixon, who joined Nine in 1997 after becoming a household name on Hey Hey It’s Saturday alongside host Daryl Somers, will remain with the network.
She will continue her presenting work on its travel programs.
“I’m thrilled to be staying with Nine and will be continuing my roles on Getaway and Postcards,” she said.
“I am incredibly grateful to the 9News team and our loyal audience for their support over so many years.”
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