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Gogglebox stars outraged after fan favourite family axed

<p>Stars of <em>Gogglebox</em> have rallied around the Silbery family after they shared the news that they have been let go from the program. </p> <p>Isabelle announced the shock news that she, her mum Kerry, and her daughter Ruby would not be back for the revamped version of <em>Gogglebox Australia</em> in 2025, sparking outrage from fellow castmates and fans alike. </p> <p>Isabelle announced on Friday that the family would not be back after nine long years on the series, saying they were not "included" in its "new form", with Isabelle calling it the end of an era. </p> <p>"It’s with a very heavy heart to announce that Mum, Ruby and I will not be returning to <em>Gogglebox</em> in 2025 🥺💔 Foxtel have decided not to renew our beloved show and although the show will continue on Channel 10, the three of us have not been included in its new form," she wrote.</p> <p>Isabelle, her mum Kerry and her grandmother Emmie first appeared on the show in 2016, before Isabelle's daughter Ruby replaced Emmie as the great-grandmother's health deteriorated. </p> <p>Isabelle continues, "9 years ago, I saw an opportunity to showcase real women’s voices across multi-generations. Baby Ruby filling in for Emmie in recent seasons made it feel full circle. It has been an absolute pleasure sharing our lounge rooms with you all and cannot thank you enough for the love and support. It might be the end of an era but it’s also an opportunity for new exciting beginnings…"</p> <p>Former <em>Gogglebox</em> duo Yvie Jones and Angie Kent rallied around the Silbery family in the comments, with Yvie saying she didn't understand the decision at all, and Angie saying the family left "impossible" shoes to fill.</p> <p>"This is sad and wrong. Just the comments on here show how loved you are. I’m so, so sorry. I don’t understand this at all," Yvie said.</p> <p>"Well, you know what? It’s their loss because you three have been nothing but incredible and it’s going to be almost impossible to fill those shoes! I think they’ve dropped the ball here. But what do myself and thousands of other avid TV watchers know, huh 🤷‍♀," Angie added.</p> <p><em>Gogglebox</em> fans have also been left disappointed by the news, sending love to the family. "I'm so sad to read this. You guys are amazing. You’ll be missed," one person commented.</p> <p>"Well, that just sucks. Have thoroughly enjoyed watching the three generations of your family on the show over the years," another said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Foxtel - Gogglebox</em></p>

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The real reason Dave Hughes' radio show was axed

<p>An insider has revealed the real reason behind the sudden <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/beloved-breakfast-radio-show-pulled-off-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">axing</a> of <em>2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin</em> breakfast show, just hours after it was announced that the show was being pulled off the air. </p> <p>After three years on air, it was announced on Wednesday night that the show had come to an immediate end. </p> <p>The breakfast hosts Dave Hughes, Ed Kavalee and Erin Molan shared a statement announcing their departure. </p> <p>"We've loved our time together on 2DayFM Breakfast, however, due to some of our families living in different cities we are unable to commit to 2025, so with a heavy heart we are moving aside so 2DayFM can find the team to take them forward in Breakfast," the co-hosts said.</p> <p>"We are so grateful to Sydney for their support, and to double the number of listeners in three years is something we are immensely proud of, and we will miss each and every one of them."</p> <p>The axing seemingly came out of nowhere, with many wondering what prompted the sudden change. </p> <p>Now, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/radio/real-reason-dave-hughes-2day-fm-radio-show-was-axed/news-story/bb01355dbb3ce0e3a39eb8ae5d4930b1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> claims that 2Day FM bosses had long been pressuring Hughesy to move to Sydney full time.</p> <p>For years, the popular comedian had been commuting to Sydney from Melbourne, where his wife and kids are based.</p> <p>Both Hughesy and his family had grown tired of the commute, and as a result, Hughesy informed executives at Southern Cross Austereo (the network that owns 2Day FM) that he wouldn’t be relocating to Sydney permanently, and therefore could not commit to another year on the breakfast show. </p> <p>On top of the commuting issues, the popular radio show had a shocker in the latest round of radio ratings which were released last month.</p> <p>The trio recorded just a 3.6 per cent audience share, a long way behind Sydney’s FM market leaders Kyle and Jackie O (14.1 cent) and Jonesy and Amanda (8.1 per cent).</p> <p><em>News.com.au</em> understands that Dave Cameron, Southern Cross Austereo’s Chief Content Officer, finally decided to bite the bullet and called a snap meeting with the breakfast hosts after Wednesday morning’s show to inform them the show would be cancelled. </p> <p>The trio were told they could return for one final show on Thursday to say goodbye, but ultimately the hosts decided against it.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 2Day FM / Instagram </em></p>

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Axed weatherman's blunt farewell message live on-air

<p>Weatherman Paul Burt has lashed out at Channel 7 in an awkward final report after he was axed by the network. </p> <p>The veteran weatherman was recently cut by Seven after almost three decades in the industry as part of a cost-cutting move, and he took aim at the network in his final sign off on Saturday. </p> <p>“Hello everybody yes it is my last weather for the network tonight,” he began. </p> <p>“Let’s get straight into it everyone because it’s the most important thing is your Sunday and not me.”</p> <p>He then detailed the weather outlook before presenter Samantha Heathwood farewelled him.</p> <p>Burt then thanked viewers for their "trust, loyalty, and support" and thanked his family before unleashing on the network. </p> <p>“If I’d had the opportunity I wouldn’t have wanted to go this way,” Burt said. “It’s what happens when you get sacked”.</p> <p>The network then cut to footage for Burt, who has been at Seven since 2013, presenting various segments over the years, including him delivering the weather from a helicopter during floods. </p> <p>In an interview with <em>The Australian</em>, Burt revealed that he had only been given  “55 seconds to say my goodbyes”. </p> <p>“I really don’t understand it, why people are being treated this way,” Burt said.</p> <p>“It was a shock, I was told to come in and have a meeting which I did and I was told my contract was not being renewed. It was rather embarrassing for my wife and children. They found out before I could even tell them. Obviously things get leaked.</p> <p>“Some of the decisions made lately are quite harsh. I’ve lost a lot of friends who have been made redundant or got the sack.”</p> <p>Burt wasn't the only one made redundant in the network's cost-cutting move. Veterans including Robert Ovadia, Sharyn Ghidella,  Andrew Frampton and seasoned Melbourne crime reporter Cameron Baud have all gone.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 7</em></p>

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Worrying pattern of cancellations shows Australian TV's grim future

<p>As the future of free-to-air Australian television continues to be more and more "uncertain", a worrying pattern of dozens of cancelled programs show how the industry has been in trouble for quite some time. </p> <p>In recent years, dozens of seemingly popular shows have been axed across three major networks with thousands of people across the industry preparing themselves for further cancellations, pay cuts, job losses and career changes.</p> <p>According to <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/exclusive-34-axed-aussie-shows-revealed-as-future-of-free-to-air-tv-uncertain-224725084.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo Lifestyle</em></a>, 34 shows across Seven, Nine and Ten have either been axed, put on an indefinite hiatus, or quietly removed from TV schedules with no mention of it again over the last five years. </p> <p>Many Aussie TV staples such as <em>Millionaire Hot Seat</em>, <em>The Bachelor</em>, and <em>Australian Ninja Warrior</em>, which were all once the highest rated shows on television, have been binned due to declining viewership and dwindling ratings. </p> <p>Channel Ten's <em>The Masked Singer</em> has also become a casualty in the TV wars, as host Dave Hughes <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/hughesy-spills-the-beans-on-major-shows-set-to-be-axed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared</a> that he simply hadn't received a production schedule for the new season of the show, only to discover it had been shelved. </p> <p>In an attempt to breathe new life into the channels, newer shows like Shaynna Blaze’s <em>Country Home Rescue</em> or Kate Langbroek’s <em>My Mum, Your Dad</em> premiered, but have only survived for single seasons after failing to grab an audience. </p> <p>Even revived classics like <em>Big Brother</em>, <em>Celebrity Apprentice</em> and <em><a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/channel-10-axes-another-show-amid-ratings-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gladiators</a></em> haven’t been able to survive as they now face growing competition from streaming giants like Netflix and Stan.</p> <p>As the list of cancelled shows continues to grow, one seasoned lighting director, who asked to remain anonymous, told Yahoo Lifestyle that job insecurity for casts and crews is a major concern. </p> <p>They said, “Every year the breaks between jobs are getting longer and longer to the point a lot of us (crew) are now leaving the industry. Ten years ago we’d be booked consistently with jobs locked in 12 months in advance for all of the networks, now everyone’s scrambling to try to get on a three-day pilot shoot. Everything is so uncertain.”</p> <p>Below are all of the free-to-air shows from the last five years that haven’t been renewed.</p> <p id="channel-seven"><strong>Channel Seven</strong></p> <p>Big Brother (2001-2008, 2012-2014, 2020-2023)</p> <p>SAS Australia (2020-2023)</p> <p>This Is Your Life (1975-1980, 1995-2005, 2008, 2011, 2022-2023)</p> <p>Blow Up (2023)</p> <p>Million Dollar Island (2023)</p> <p>We Interrupt This Broadcast (2023)</p> <p>The Voice: Generations (2022)</p> <p>Big Brother VIP (2021)</p> <p>Holey Moley (2021)</p> <p>Ultimate Tag (2021)</p> <p>Wife Swap Australia (2012, 2021)</p> <p>House Rules (2013-2020)</p> <p>Plate of Origin (2020)</p> <p>Pooch Perfect (2020)</p> <p id="channel-nine"><strong>Channel Nine</strong></p> <p>Millionaire Hot Seat (2009–2023)</p> <p>My Mum, Your Dad (2022-2023)</p> <p>The Beach House Escape (2023)</p> <p>Rush (2023)</p> <p>Snackmasters (2021-2022)</p> <p>Australian Ninja Warrior (2017-2022)</p> <p>Beauty and the Geek (2009-2014, 2021-2022)</p> <p>Celebrity Apprentice (2011-2015, 2021-2022)</p> <p>Country Homes Rescue (2022)</p> <p>This Time Next Year (2017-2019)</p> <p>Australia’s Most Identical</p> <p id="channel-ten"><strong>Channel Ten</strong></p> <p>Gladiators (1995-1996, 2008, 2024)</p> <p>The Bachelor (2013-2023)</p> <p>Studio 10 (2013-2023)</p> <p>The Masked Singer (2019-2023)</p> <p>The Traitors (2022-2023)</p> <p>Would I Lie To You? Australia (2022-2023)</p> <p>The Real Love Boat (2022)</p> <p>The Bachelorette (2015-2021)</p> <p>Bachelor In Paradise (2018-2020)</p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten / Seven </em></p>

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Channel 10 axes another show amid ratings crisis

<p>Channel 10 has decided to axe yet another popular show as they continue to grapple with declining ratings and viewers leaving. </p> <p>Following the cancellation of <em>The Bachelors </em>and <em>The Masked Singer</em>, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13449749/Channel-10-axes-amid-ratings-crisis-revealed-Channel-Seven-considering-saving-unlikely-series.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> reported that the network was also cancelling <em>Gladiators</em>. </p> <p>Despite the show's success in the UK, the Australian reboot struggled to find the same effect as they failed to sustain their initial viewership. </p> <p>The show produced by Warner Bros and hosted by Beau Ryan and Liz Ellis was launched with high hopes and attracted 395,000 metro viewers during its premiere. </p> <p>However, by the second episode the numbers plummeted to just 196,000 - over half of the initial viewership. </p> <p>Critics on social media were also quick to point out the lack of crowd presence, despite the show being filmed under normal conditions, with one person saying: "It felt like watching an event without any real energy."</p> <p>The Traitors is another the show that was axed by the network after just two seasons, and now an insider has revealed that Channel Seven is considering commissioning the series.</p> <p>"The show's concept has potential, but it needs a fresh approach and a new platform," the insider told <em>Daily Mail Australia</em>. </p> <p>They also shared what's in store for Channel 10 as they attempt to revive their ratings. </p> <p>"Channel 10 is now deciding to put all their eggs in one basket, planning to roll out not one, but two seasons of Australian Survivor in 2025," the insider said. </p> <p>"They are putting together a 10th season special as well as an Australia vs USA Survivor all-star showdown which will be screened simultaneously in America and Down Under."</p> <p>A Channel 10 executive said: "Survivor has consistently performed well for us, and we believe this new approach will reignite audience interest."</p> <p>The <em>Daily Mail</em> reported that they have contacted Channel Seven and 10 for a comment. </p> <p><em>Image: Ten</em></p>

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Hughesy spills the beans on major shows set to be axed

<p>Dave Hughes has shared his prediction that <em>The Masked Singer</em> is die to be axed from Network Ten's lineup this year as the network continues to battle dwindling ratings. </p> <p>The host of the show made the admission on his radio show on Tuesday, saying he hadn't been given any updates on when filming was due to commence. </p> <p>“We’ve been waiting on a production schedule. That production schedule has not come through, so as far as I know, <em>The Masked Singer </em>won’t be filmed this year for Channel 10,” Hughes said on his show Hughesy, Ed and Erin on 2DayFM.</p> <p>“We’ve had such a great time over those years, it’s been such a fun show to be on, so many great singers have been on,” he continued. “We’ve had great panels. We started with Jackie O, Dannii Minogue, [Lindsay] Lohan, then Urzila Carlson came in, we’ve got Abbie Chatfield, Chrissy Swan, Mel B. All stars in their own right."</p> <p>“It’s a tough one for the production team.”</p> <p>Later during the radio show, Hughesy and the team called Osher Günsberg to question whether <em>The Bachelor </em>was facing the same grim fate as <em>The Masked Singer</em>. </p> <p>“I tell you what, I haven’t cancelled our trip to Fiji, which is in the middle of the shooting window we normally have [for <em>The Bachelor</em>],” Günsberg, who has been host of the dating show since 2013, said.</p> <p>Osher went on to criticise Australian TV for putting British and American shows on prime time, rather than favouring homegrown talent. </p> <p>“I personally feel we really need to value our own stories, and our culture, and our own voices far more highly,” he said. “And we’ve got to do what we need to do to make that happen on our screens."</p> <p>“If we’re not going to sing our own songs and tell our own stories – we’re just going to be this weird echo of the US and the UK, and that’s not going to work out well for us.”</p> <p>Last year's season of <em>The Bachelor</em> premiered to the franchise’s lowest ratings in its decade-long history, while personalities involved with <em>The Masked Singer</em> have repeatedly said "it is a very expensive show to produce". </p> <p><em>Image credits: Ten </em></p>

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"It's a tough day": Studio 10 axed

<p>After a decade on the air, <em>Studio 10</em> has been axed by Channel Ten, with the staple morning show not returning for another season in 2024. </p> <p>The announcement was made on the show's Instagram page by hosts Angela Bishop and Tristan MacManus to break the sad news to loyal viewers, while admitting it had been a "tough day" as they learned the show's fate. </p> <p>"After an absolute epic decade on Australian TV screens, trying to put smiles on your faces every morning and love into your hearts, unfortunately we have some sad news for you today. <em>Studio 10</em> will not be returning for 2024," McManus said. </p> <p>“It’s a tough day for the whole <em>Studio 10 </em>family, because we have loved bringing you the show for the last 10 years,” said Bishop in the video. </p> <p>“We’re all really proud to be part of it."</p> <p>“To finish up, I’m going to pinch a quote: Don’t cry ‘cos it’s over, smile because it happened.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CznGGC8yeol/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CznGGC8yeol/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Studio 10 (@studio10au)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>A Ten spokesperson said in a statement, “<em>Studio 10</em> has been a great contributor to Network Ten's daytime program line-up. We would like to sincerely thank all those who have participated in and supported the program over the past decade and to the millions of viewers who tuned in over that time. </p> <p>“It has been a show that has provided copious amounts of feel-good fun, joy, passion, heart, entertainment, and unforgettable moments all against the backdrop of live television."</p> <p>“Although we are sad to be farewelling the program, the decision to cease production of <em>Studio 10</em> comes after a change in viewing habits in daytime television.”</p> <p><em>Studio 10</em> ratings and viewer number have been steadily declining in recent years, and took a plunge after longtime host Sarah Harris left to join The Project at the beginning of 2023.</p> <p>Even with Harris at the helm, <em>Studio 10</em> averaged just 31,000 viewers in 2022.</p> <p>The show copped its lowest viewership back in March with just 10,000 viewers recorded on the final Monday of the month.</p> <p>The Ten spokesperson went on to say that, “The hosts of <em>Studio 10</em> – Angela Bishop, Narelda Jacobs and Tristan MacManus, with special roving reporter Daniel Doody – will remain with the network in different roles and many of the staff will be redeployed.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Channel Ten</em></p>

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Melissa Leong axed just weeks ahead of filming

<p>In an unexpected turn of events, Channel Ten's beloved cooking show, <em>MasterChef Australia</em>, is set to undergo a significant makeover in 2024. The series, which has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts and reality TV aficionados alike, will introduce a new judging panel, leaving fans both excited and apprehensive.</p> <p>Melissa Leong, a fan favourite who joined the <em>MasterChef</em> family in 2019 alongside Andy Allen and Jock Zonfrillo, finds herself stepping away from the iconic show. Her arrival was part of a pivotal change in the program after the departure of original judges Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan, and George Calombaris due to a pay dispute. Sadly, the show faced another devastating loss with the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/shattered-hearts-culinary-world-mourns-tragic-death-of-jock-zonfrillo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sudden passing of Jock Zonfrillo</a> earlier this year, leaving a void that needed to be filled.</p> <p>According to sources reported by the <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/media-and-marketing/masterchef-s-melissa-leong-axed-from-judging-lineup-20231023-p5ee9f" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Australian Financial Review</em></a>, Leong was made aware of this transition only recently, just a month before the new season began filming. The Australian public, deeply attached to the familiar faces they've come to love on the show, was left wondering about the future of <em>MasterChef</em>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/masterchef-shakeup-for-2024-new-sweet-gig-for-melissa-leong/news-story/4c3b7c3b77e942e09be516d631b5065a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a> broke the news that the new judging panel would include former contestant Poh Ling Yeow, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, and food critic Sofia Levin. While these newcomers bring their own expertise and charm to the <em>MasterChef</em> stage, they must face the challenge of filling the shoes of their predecessors and winning over the show's passionate audience.</p> <p>Andy Allen, who has been a part of the <em>MasterChef</em> journey since 2012, made the surprising decision to return to the series after what he described as a "difficult year" in 2023. Speaking about his choice, Allen said, "There is something special in the <em>MasterChef Australia</em> Kitchen, and it feels right to come back to work with the amazing production team, and to play my role in seeing the contestants do as I have done." With the new line-up, 2024 promises to be the beginning of a fresh chapter in the show's history.</p> <p>Notably, there were rumours that celebrity chef <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/jamie-oliver-tipped-to-replace-jock-zonfrillo-on-masterchef" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jamie Oliver might join the show</a> as a replacement. However, it appears that the production team opted for a mix of <em>MasterChef</em> alumni and culinary expertise to usher in this new era.</p> <p>Leong's connection with Channel Ten remains strong, as she is set to host <em>Dessert Masters</em>, alongside the pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon, known as "The Chocolate Guy". This spinoff series promises to showcase the skills of Australia's top pastry chefs and dessert makers through sweet-themed challenges. Dessert enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting showdown between some of the country's finest dessert creators.</p> <p>A Network 10 spokesperson has clarified that the decision was not influenced by any ongoing investigation and that Leong will continue to be a cherished member of the <em>MasterChef Australia</em> family. The spokesperson stated, "Melissa is set to return for a second season of <em>Dessert Masters</em> in 2024, alongside fellow judge and pastry prodigy Amaury Guichon." The scheduling of both programs, with<em> MasterChef</em> and <em>Dessert Masters</em> airing back-to-back, called for each show to have its distinct style, personality and hosting team.</p> <p>As fans eagerly await the new season of <em>MasterChef Australia</em> in 2024, there is a mix of anticipation and nostalgia. The departure of a beloved judge and the introduction of fresh faces signal a new chapter in the show's legacy.</p> <p><em>Image: MasterChef Australia</em></p>

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"That one really hurt": Grant Denyer on career axing that brought him to tears

<p dir="ltr">Grant Denyer has opened up about the two most brutal axings of his career: one a breakfast radio show that left him in tears, and the other, his dream TV show that never aired.</p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to <em>news.com.au</em>’s podcast, <em>I’ve Got News For You</em>, Denyer revealed that one of the most brutal moments of his career was when he was axed from the 2Day FM breakfast show.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2018 Denyer was a co-host of the show in Sydney alongside Em Rusciano and Ed Kavalee. Rusciano left the show late 2018 and was replaced by Ash London- but the program failed to get good ratings so the trio were axed in August 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That one really hurt,” Denyer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Because I’d had lunch with a head executive a week earlier who promised me that they were going to sign me for another five years, and then a week later I finish a show and then at 9.05am I walk into a meeting and they say, ‘well, that was your last show.’</p> <p dir="ltr">“I burst into tears,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was a blubbering mess. I cried in the corner for quite a while.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That one hurt because you give so much of yourself in breakfast radio … and you share a lot of deep, personal stories, some that are humiliating and embarrassing … because there’s such a need to deliver content every day to connect with an audience,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Gold Logie winner added that because he had shared so much of his life on the radio show, and it still wasn’t enough, the impact “shocked and rocked” him for a couple of years.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I took a lot of getting over that.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In fact, I went from having probably the most confidence I’d ever had in my entire career to having the least amount of confidence that I’ve ever had, and it’s taken a bit of a steady road to come back,” he added.</p> <p dir="ltr">The other most brutal moment in his TV career was when a new version of <em>Hey Hey It’s Saturday</em> called <em>Saturday Night’s Alright</em> was cancelled before it even aired.</p> <p dir="ltr">The show was intended for Channel 7 and they had apparently spent a million producing the pilot.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’d spent a million bucks on a pilot, it was incredible, it was a game changer, it was going to blow everyone’s mind”, Denyer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unfortunately, the show was axed when they heard that Channel 9 was going to bring back Hey Hey.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They (Channel 7) were like, ‘let’s let Channel 9 and Daryl (Somers) go first and then if it works, we’ll run ours,’” Denyer said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“After two or three episodes, unfortunately Daryl’s show started to fizzle and then that killed our big, giant variety show, which is the show I’ve always wanted since I was a kid.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was axed before it even went to air!” he revealed.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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"Bring them back!": Arnott's axes beloved bikkies

<p>Fury has broken out among Arnott’s fans as the famed Aussie biscuit brand has announced the discontinuation of one of its most popular products without warning.</p> <p>That's right - Honey Jumbles are no longer on sale. It's no secret the people are furious as angry shoppers flooded Arnott’s on social media with complaints after their beloved biscuit got the chop.</p> <p>However, the decision to cut the iconic soft-baked gingerbread fingers which are topped with pink or white icing, happened back in July 2021 and only now are people pleading with Arnott’s to “bring them back!”, branding the decision “horrible”.</p> <p>“Arnott’s honey jumbles got discontinued and I’m just finding out. This is horrible news,” one devastated fan wrote on Twitter.</p> <p>“So, Arnott’s, we’re just going to cancel Honey Jumbles without any warning huh?” another wrote alongside a crying face emoji.</p> <p>“Not fair! There’s only so many Venetia’s you can eat when you can’t get Honey Jumbles,” a third said.</p> <p>Amy Wagner, the Arnott's director of PR and consumer experience, has said the decision to axe the biscuit came from poor sales.</p> <p>“We stopped baking our Honey Jumbles in July 2021. At this stage, there are no plans to bring the product back to shelf."</p> <p>However, she softened the blow by revealing Arnott’s had released an adapted Honey Jumbles recipe for the “very passionate fans” so they can recreate the “iconic” biscuit at home.</p> <p><em>Image: Arnott's</em></p>

Food & Wine

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"Australia's most axed host": Larry Emdur opens up

<p dir="ltr">Aussie TV personality Larry Emdur has opened up about his tumultuous career - describing himself as “Australia’s most axed host” - in his new biography, <em>Happy As</em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b955e1b0-7fff-6868-cd13-e8f711709bab">The <em>Morning Show</em> host has revealed how he and his wife rode the dips and peaks in his career - from cancelled shows and contract negotiations to fame and fortune and even hosting <em>The Morning Show</em>.</span></p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s a picture of you walking along the beach sadly with your dog under the headline: ‘Axed’,” he told <em><a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/lifestyle/smart/the-morning-shows-larry-emdur-releases-memoir-happy-as/news-story/19fc8a683caf8198a67eb18f52cccbc9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a></em>, referring to the end of <em>The Main Event</em> in 1992.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s very difficult to explain (how that feels), but what I did say to (my wife) Sylvie, when we first got serious was, ‘Look, this is the business. And I can’t bank on it. I can only look for the next contract, and that can sometimes take three to six months’.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What I could guarantee was that when things went bad, I wouldn’t sit around waiting for the call. We’d instead go on an adventure. So when <em>Price is Right</em> got axed, we packed up the house and went to live in LA for a year.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcERG1NhTqf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcERG1NhTqf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @larryemdur</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Emdur also reflected on his last contract negotiation, which proved to be quite ego-bruising.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At my last negotiation with (former Seven chief) David Leckie - may he rest in peace, wherever he is - he said to me: ‘Emdur, you f***wit, I have 100 people at this network who would walk over broken glass and eat s*** to do your job for free,” he recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">But working in TV wasn’t really Emdur’s goal in life, explaining in his memoir that his accidental path to TV fame has meant he has no expectations for his fame or fortune to last.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is what I’ve learned in television, and I learned this early: it’s never your choice (when your career is over),” Emdur said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“<em>The Morning Show</em> could end for me next week. We’ve seen careers end so quickly in this business. Sometimes it’s an obvious reason and other times it’s just for a change of scenery or a change of whatever, whoever.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That happens all the time. I’ve seen it happen. It’s happened to me. It’s happened to people sitting next to me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">His new biography also acts as a nostalgic trip back to his childhood in Bondi, including some painful memories of his beloved father, who died 15 years ago.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were fishing and surfing buddies. We were just very close,” Emdur recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s a lot of that in the book and some of that was very difficult to write.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Emdur hopes his book will act as a time capsule, preserving precious memories for his extended family.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Happy As</em> is set for release on August 3 and is available for pre-order at Booktopia.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f1574bef-7fff-8003-e6a5-1d64824b8d73"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Leunig axed from The Age after 50 years over anti-Dan Andrews cartoon

<p dir="ltr">Cartoonist Michael Leunig<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/cartoonist-michael-leunig-axed-from-prime-spot-at-the-age-over-offensive-vaccine-image/news-story/3b6b99a4101ebe53df58cb21827df0d4" target="_blank">has been dropped</a><span> </span>from his position as a cartoonist for<span> </span><em>The Age</em><span> </span>over a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/leunig-cartoon-divides-the-internet" target="_blank">controversial image</a><span> </span>comparing resisting mandatory COVID-19 vaccination to the Tiananmen Square protests.</p> <p dir="ltr">Leunig shared the cartoon on his Instagram account, with the picture depicting one of his lone ‘everyday man’ characters standing in front of a tank armed with a loaded syringe and the caption “Mandate”.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUTONJjBIHA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CUTONJjBIHA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Leunig (@leunigstudio)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The cartoon mimics the iconic “tank man” image of an unidentified Chinese protester standing in front of a column of tanks, with Leunig including the photo in his cartoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">The image never made it to print in<span> </span><em>The Age</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Some speculation about Leunig’s continued role at the newspaper emerged last week, after a statement published in<span> </span><em>The Age</em>’s letters section said it was “trialling new cartoonists”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845068/leunig1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c595938f095241e6bd21cebb17e03c19" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @leunigstudio / Instagram</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/peter-fitzsimons-a-closed-book-on-lisa-wilkinson-coverage/news-story/fd5acfa9e7f6dc420c38a116177c0bcc" target="_blank">The Australian</a></em>’s columnist Nick Tabakoff, Leunig confirmed that he has been taken off the newspaper’s editorial page position following the emergence of the controversial cartoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">Leunig told the publication that<span> </span><em>The Age</em>’s editor Gay Alcorn called him to “break the news gently” that his cartoons would no longer feature in the newspaper.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said he was told he was “out of touch with the readership”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Gay feels this type of cartoon is not in line with public sentiment, and<span> </span><em>The Age</em>’s readership, who it does seem are largely in favour of the Andrews Covid narrative,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But my job is to challenge the status quo, and that has always been the job of the cartoonist.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Leunig - who has had a 50-year-long career as a cartoonist - also claimed that he has had 12 cartoons “censored” this year, “all about Covid and/or Dan Andrews, with next to no explanation”.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845069/leunig2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9ceb768377dd448f92bbf4b25bc454fb" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @leunigstudio / Instagram</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Leunig defended his reference to the Tiananmen Square image in his cartoon, saying it is often used as a “Charlie Chaplin-like metaphor for an overwhelming force meeting the innocent powerless individual”.</p> <p dir="ltr">It divided fans on his Instagram page, with some describing it as “brilliant” and others saying it was in “pretty bad taste”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cartoonist has shared a series of images on social media including figures in the likeness of Victorian Premier Dan Andrews, alongside critiques of politicians and the handling of the pandemic by the Victorian government.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845070/leunig3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c3929cca63a44ae8b92ded40dede2168" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @leunigstudio / Instagram</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Alcorn told<span> </span><em>The Australian<span> </span></em>that Leunig was “entitled to be upset” about being let go from the position.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she declined to comment further, she told<span> </span><em>news.com.au</em><span> </span>that Leunig was still “employed by us to provide a Saturday cartoon”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Leunig has also faced criticism over past cartoons, including one that compared the Victorian government to fascists following news of a proposal to ban unvaccinated children from childcare centres.</p> <p dir="ltr">Another controversial cartoon depicting an absent mum has been labelled as “condescending” and upsetting for young mums struggling with raising young children.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @leunigstudio / Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Insider claims Prince Charles will axe these family members

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in element-type-p"> <p>An insider has told UK newspaper<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1433032/prince-charles-news-slimmed-down-monarchy-senior-royals-latest-prince-william" target="_blank"><em>The Express</em></a><span> </span>that Prince Charles has plans to axe several Royal Family members after the Queen passes away.</p> <p>Gyles Brandreth, who was a close friend of the late Duke of Edinburgh, revealed that the future king has plans to slim down the monarchy.</p> <p>“One of the interesting things that Prince Philip pointed out to me that in the past the Royal Family has always been quite small," he said.</p> <p>“And when he became Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 it was just the King and the Queen and the two young Princesses.”</p> <p>“That was it really. That was the Royal Family. And now of course it became this larger thing altogether.</p> <p>“But I think that going forward we are going to see, we are going to go back to a much slimmed down.”</p> <p>Brandreth revealed who he thinks won't make the cut.</p> <p>He claims that Prince Charles, Camilla, Princess Anne and Prince Edward will be front and centre as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge "for the younger generation".</p> <p>By doing this, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as well as the Queen's other grandchildren will be sidelined.</p> <p>“In a sense, it will be a leaner machine going forward and I think the Duke would have quite of liked that,” Brandreth added.</p> <p>“Less to talk about, less to gossip about.”</p> <p><em>Sunrise</em><span> </span>royal editor Rob Jobson said that there is "nothing new" in the comments made by Brandreth.</p> <p>“The reality is, Prince Charles has always said that he wants to slim down the royal family,” Jobson explained on the Channel Seven breakfast show.</p> <p>“I think naturally Princess Anne will continue in a role, she’s very deeply respected around the world, and I think Edward and Sophie will as well,” he added.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

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Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s surprise appearance on Studio 10 after axing

<p class="p1">Kerri-Anne Kennerley made a surprise appearance on Studio 10 on Tuesday, two months after being axed from the morning show.</p> <p class="p1">The TV personality’s shock exit was part of a major cull at Ten that also saw Natarsha Belling and Joe Hildebrand say goodbye to the program.</p> <p class="p1">Two months after a tearful farewell, Kennerley was back this morning - bizarrely crashing an interview with fellow Aussie entertainment legend Rhonda Burchmore.</p> <p class="p1">“Can I come out and see you rehearse sometime?” Harris asked Kennerley.</p> <p class="p1">“Any time. I’d better go, because I’ll probably be shot at, too,” Kennerley quipped, to laughter from the hosts.</p> <p class="p1">“We miss you, we love you KAK,” said Harris, who had one more question for Kennerley as she exited the set: “Did you get my text message on Saturday?”</p> <p class="p1">“Sorry, I’ve been busy,” Kennerley joked as she mock-stormed from the set.</p> <p class="p1">Kennerley exited Studio 10 in September after a controversial two years with the program.</p> <p class="p1">She announced the news on-air in August, she said that across her decades of TV experience she’d learned that you “don’t have to be the most intelligent, you don’t have to be the strongest but you have to be, to survive, the most adaptable.”</p> <p class="p1">She thanked the Studio 10 team for inviting her onto the show and for having been “so delightful, so charming and so generous.”</p> <p class="p1">Pointing to the marching band-style jacket she’d worn to address her axing, Kennerley also snuck in a jab about her predicament:</p> <p class="p1">“The reason I have got this outfit on today is because if you are being run out of town, get in front of the crowd and make it look like a parade,” she said, as her co-stars laughed.</p> <p class="p1">“Companies do these sort of cuts to make the business better, which in the long run saves a lot more jobs,” she continued. “I am very, very sad because I will miss you guys and miss the audience, miss the feedback but that said, it is what it is. You just have to suck it up and move on.”</p>

TV

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"It's what happens": Grant Denyer addresses Dancing With The Stars axing

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Loveable TV personality Grant Denyer spoke out about his latest program <em>Dancing With The Stars</em> being axed.</p> <p>"It's what happens in television," the 43-year-old told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">The Daily Telegraph</a> on Sunday. </p> <p>"The only gigs that are a certainty is reading the news or hosting a morning breakfast show," he continued.</p> <p>"They're the only bolted-on industry jobs; for the rest of us, shows come and go. It's just the nature of the beast."</p> <p>Denyer feels like shows such as <em>Family Feud </em>and <em>Dancing with the Stars</em> are "cyclical" and will "no doubt come back somewhere else further down the track."</p> <p><em>Dancing with the Stars </em>was axed by Channel 10 last month.</p> <p>"We have decided to hang up our dancing shoes, lycra pants and sequined jackets for the time being," a network spokesperson told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-8950849/Grant-Denyer-addresses-Dancing-Stars-getting-axed-hints-back.html" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a><em>. </em></p> <p>"We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those involved in the show, in particular Amanda Keller and Grant Denyer, who were fabulous hosts, as well as all the judges, dancers, the stars and of course the crew."</p> </div> </div> </div>

Music

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Kerri-Anne Kennerley lands new gig following Studio 10 axing

<p>Kerri-Anne Kennerley was one of 20 other staff members that were axed at Network 10. </p> <p>However, the star has shown no signs of slowing down despite being made redundant from <em>Studio 10</em> two months ago. </p> <p>The 67-year-old TV personality has joined the cast of the stage musical <em>Pippin</em> and will play Grandma Berthe. </p> <p>Entertainment reporter, Peter Ford, informed viewers of the exciting news on <em>The Morning Show</em> on Thursday. </p> <p>“The role that Kerri-Anne will be playing is really just one scene and one big number,” said Ford.</p> <p>“But it’s a show stopping number. You basically walk in there, steal the show and go home. It’s a great gig for her.”</p> <p>In August, the Logie Hall of Fame recipient was axed from <em>Studio 10.</em></p> <p>The TV personality delivered an emotional goodbye in a tearful speech. </p> <p>“You guys have been my family,” she said.</p> <p>“I feel so privileged. You guys took me in and generously just gave me a shoulder to lean on and I have leaned on you.”</p> <p>The co-host had starred on the show for just over two years, and mentioned the support she received from her co-hosts following the death of her husband John Kennerley, who passed away in 2019.</p> <p>“I thought I’d have John for a very long time. It wasn’t to be – coming into work probably literally saved me. You people, our audience, literally saved me,” she said.</p> <p>“The day of his funeral where you actually left your own television show, early, to come to his funeral was one of the most beautiful moments.</p> <p>“That was so deeply moving and Channel 10 made that decision, Channel 10 allowed you to do that to support me and it was really beautiful – I was so grateful.”</p>

TV

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Why Kerri-Anne was really axed

<p>A former executive boss for <em>Studio 10</em> has dropped a major bomb on why he thinks Kerri-Anne has been axed from the programme she starred alongside her other co-hosts for over a year.</p> <p>Rob McKnight, who worked on the show from 2013 to 2017 revealed on the <em>TV Blackbox</em> podcast on Tuesday that Channel 10 did not just let go of Kerri-Anne due to budget issues.</p> <p>Rob claims the network may have had issue with her divisive views that often saw her in the press for entirely all the wrong reasons.</p> <p>He added that Kerri-Anne is under contract until the end of the year, so the network will "pay her out" until then.</p> <p>Channel 10 reportedly decided to put Kerri-Anne on "gardening leave" as a way to avoid any potential controversies that could make advertisers rethink working with them.</p> <p>Gardening leave is given to an employee as a suspension with full pay for the duration of their notice period.</p> <p>Employers prefer to use gardening leave rather than requiring for the employee to serve out the rest of their period in the workplace.</p> <p>"With Kerri-Anne going, she's still contracted for a while,” Rob said.</p> <p>"They're paying her out because they don't want the controversy. They don't want an advertiser backlash based on the controversial comments that can come."</p> <p>The former ex-boss went on to say that Channel 10 will likely not use Kerri-Anne for the remainder of her contract but will continue to pay her until the end of 2020.</p> <p>Kerri-Anne has reportedly been blacklisted from appearing on <em>The Project</em> in any way during the remainder of her contract.</p>

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"The best in the business": Channel 10 slammed for axing Tim Bailey

<p><span>Channel 10 has been brutally called out for letting go of long-time weatherman Tim Bailey.</span><br /><br /><span>The network has confirmed they will be giving the legendary reporter a proper, well-deserved send-off after he became the latest victim to Channel 10’s brutal budget cuts.</span><br /><br /><span>The 57-year-old was promptly replaced with a female weather presenter on <em>10 News first</em> on Tuesday evening but a spokesperson has affirmed Tim will recieve the goodbye he deserves.</span><br /><br /><span>“Tim is taking a break for the rest of this week and is on leave next week. His leave next week has been planned for some time,” the spokesperson told Tv Tonight on Wednesday.</span><br /><br /><span>“Tim has been a valuable member of the 10 team for many years. He and 10 are in discussions about when he will leave the network.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDgX7aLDhGc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDgX7aLDhGc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Tim Bailey (@dailybailey10)</a> on Aug 5, 2020 at 4:24am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The statement comes after <em>KIIS FM</em> host Kyle Sandilands brutally called out the network for retiring the much-loved presenter after his 30 years of service.</span><br /><br /><span>“There is no other weatherman, at least in Australia, nearly as good, as passionate and as enjoyable to watch as Tim Bailey,” Kyle said on air on Wednesday.</span><br /><br /><span>Tim enjoyed an illustrious career as the network's eccentric reporter and weather guru, and has earned an army of fans since the early 1990s.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837336/tim-bailey-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/231e79d4cec44b878251aefbb926f053" /><br /><br /><span>Kyle went on to mention that he was taken aback when he learned the star was axed and was not present on Tuesday's <em>10 News First.</em></span><br /><br /><span>“I tuned in to watch his final bulletin last night, and he was gone. Not even there,” Kyle said.</span><br /><br /><span>His co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson agreed it would have been respectful for Tim to give a proper sendoff to his loyal viewers.</span><br /><br /><span>Kyle went on to question why Tim would be replaced in favour of another weather person for a national bulletin.</span><br /><br /><span>“Why don't they [Channel 10] use the best in the business? Why can't Tim go on and do the weather for the whole country?”</span><br /><br /><span>Kyle added: “The Pleasure in watching a talent like Bailey is hard to replace.”</span><br /><br /><span>Tim became a familiar face on Channel 10 after he scored a gig on <em>Good Morning Australia</em> with Mike Gibson and TV veteran Kerri-Anne Kennerley back in 1980.</span><br /><br /><span>Prior to being axed, Tim reported the weather on-location around New South Wales towns for Ten News at Five.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_pCel7DdPZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_pCel7DdPZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Tim Bailey (@dailybailey10)</a> on May 1, 2020 at 3:04am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>He also acted as a cover reporter for Ten Network.</span><br /><br /><span>Tim, along with at least 24 other stars, including <em>Studio 10</em> host Kerri-Anne and journalist Natarsha Belling, were let go in the brutal afternoon of budget cuts.</span><br /><br /><span>Staff members were informed that the news and operations department was being “restructured” as a result of the sharp decline in advertising revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.</span><br /><br /><span>The changes are expected to be effective from Monday, September 14.</span></p>

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Kerri-Anne Kennerley responds to Channel 10 axing

<p><span>Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Natarsha Belling and Tim Bailey have all reportedly been let go from Channel 10 as the network shockingly announced it restructuring</span><br /><br /><span>Entertainment reporter Peter Ford took to Twitter to say that he had spoken to the divisive TV host, Kerri-Anne who surprisingly was accepting of her axing.</span><br /><br /><span>“Just spoke to KAK on the golf course. She’s sad for others but totally accepts the brutal realities of the industry and will finish in a few weeks. Was told face to face this morning. No anger and no bitchy quotes,” he tweeted.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAmjvDmnxAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAmjvDmnxAo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kak 💁🏼‍♀️ (@kerriannekennerley)</a> on May 25, 2020 at 12:28am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The 66-year-old is known for making controversial comments on Studio 10 as a co-host.</span><br /><br /><span>She has divided viewers and not been shy to make her own outlandish statements, including when she famously clashed with Yumi Stiles in 2019 and called out journalist Antoinette Lattouf for wearing a short jumpsuit when she appeared on Studio 10 as a guest.</span><br /><br /><span>In June, the TV host said that she just “can’t resist” causing a stir with controversial comments.</span><br /><br /><span>While in an interview with Sky News on the program The Death of the Aussie Larrikin?, the presenter was asked if she ever takes a step back before speaking her mind.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gcVL4jcYT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gcVL4jcYT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by 22. (@22mgmt)</a> on Apr 2, 2020 at 10:25pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>She said: "They really pray I do. They really go, 'Now, you know, maybe, we don't want you to pull back, but you know, maybe' and I go, 'Oh what the, so fire me!’”</span><br /><br /><span>"If I'm on Studio 10 and I'm having a cheeky day, and something like [political correctness] comes up, I can't resist it," she said.</span><br /><br /><span>Kerri-Anne is amongst a number of presenters, journalists and staff to be let go from Channel 10 in a restructure at the network.</span><br /><br /><span>At least 20 jobs will be affected by the cuts.</span><br /><br /><span>It has been confirmed however that The Project, which is hosted by Carrie Bickmore, Waleed Aly, Tommy Little, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar, is not in the firing line.</span><br /><br /><span>In a statement, Channel 10 confirmed the restructure changes, saying a “redundancy program has commenced in Network 10's News and Operations department.”</span></p>

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