"I'm officially cutting ties": Sunrise star quits media for glittering new career
Former Weekend Sunrise TV presenter Talitha Cummins is embarking on a new chapter in her life, bidding farewell to her 20-year-long media career.
Cummins, widely recognised for her role as a newsreader on Weekend Sunrise and more recently as a newsreader on Triple M Sydney, recently shared on social media her decision to step away from the media industry. Her departure is driven by her passion for a new venture in the world of jewellery.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 43-year-old former journalist reflected on her two decades in journalism and television while also announcing her exciting shift toward launching her own diamond and jewellery business:
"It’s a big day for me today," she wrote. "I’m officially cutting ties with a 20 year career in journalism/television + media consulting and launching my business in diamond and jewellery creating.
"It’s a big shift, but the move to launching my own business has given me an energy and drive like never before.
"Our family has been creating diamond jewellery for 50 years and I’ve joined forces with my uncle Craig and cousin Kara to create @thecutjewellery - Bespoke diamond ring and fine jewellery using lab diamonds - all crafted by our team of jewellers in Sydney....
"I’m excited to be a part of what’s proving to be the biggest disruptor to the jewellery industry."
Cummins gained widespread acclaim as a member of Seven's Weekend Sunrise team in 2014, where she assumed the role of newsreader following Jessica Rowe's departure. However, her journey took an unexpected turn in early 2017 during her maternity leave with her first child, Oliver. She received a call from Seven News chief Craig McPherson, who informed her that her contract as a newsreader on the show had been terminated.
This abrupt decision was met with astonishment and disappointment, especially as Cummins had anticipated resuming her role on the popular weekend breakfast show. Instead, she was offered a weekday 5am time slot, leaving her feeling blindsided by the sudden change.
The timing of this development was particularly challenging for Cummins, as she was gearing up to promote her episode on Australian Story, aired on ABC, in which she candidly shared her personal battle with alcoholism and her remarkable four-year journey to sobriety.
Cummins contested her dismissal, asserting that it had been unjust. In a mere four months, the Seven network and Cummins reached a confidential settlement, putting an end to the legal dispute.
Cummins' departure from the media world marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in her life as she immerses herself in the world of diamonds and jewellery, following in her family's tradition and pursuing her passion.
Images: Instagram