ABC host quits live on air
After five years hosting ABC News Breakfast, Lisa Millar has announced she will be leaving the show to her audience live on air.
The TV presenter and journalist joined the program in 2018 and became the permanent co-host alongside Michael Rowland the following year.
Millar told her loyal viewers that her last show would be on Friday August 23rd, but she would be continuing her other work with ABC.
The 55-year-old narrates the Logie-nominated reality series Muster Dogs, is a guest presenter on Back Roads, and co-hosts the podcast The Newsreader.
“What a blast the past five years has been, whether it was interviewing prime ministers and global thought leaders or getting karaoke encouragement from my childhood idol Gladys Knight,” she said on Wednesday morning.
“In 35 years of journalism I’ve never done anything so exciting, unpredictable, and fun. It’s only worked because of the awesome team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing.”
She went on to thank loyal viewers for spending the mornings with her over the years, saying she "loved sharing breakfast" with people around Australia.
“I’m excited to hit the road and discover more of the incredible stories that make up the remarkable tapestry of our culture,” she continued. “There are so many adventures ahead, whether it be with Back Roads, Muster Dogs, or new projects we’re cooking up. What a privilege it is to be a part of that future.”
Many colleagues and viewers alike shared their well wishes, as fellow ABC presenter Leigh Sales shared a heartfelt post following Lisa's announcement saying that her departure is a “huge loss” for ABC News Breakfast.
“But what a win for the ABC to be getting more of her work on Back Roads and Muster Dogs,” she shared. “The one thing I know after 25 years working with this woman is whatever she delivers is done with quality, warmth and integrity.
“You get a colleague like Lisa working alongside you once in a lifetime and Michael Rowland and the team have benefited hugely from having her there for five years. I’m proud of the amazing job she’s done and can’t wait for the next chapter!”
Image credits: ABC