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The Project has been axed – but someone forgot to change the passwords

<p>Move over, NSW Police social media team – there’s a new sheriff in town, and they’re armed with memes, mischief and exactly zero supervision.</p> <p>Despite <em>The Project</em> being officially axed by Network Ten last Friday, the show’s Instagram account has come alive with the kind of unhinged humour usually reserved for group chats and late-night impulse tweets. And the results? Glorious chaos.</p> <p>“The bosses really should have changed the password from Password1,” read the first sign that something was afoot – or at least, afootloose.</p> <p>What followed was a gleeful digital coup. “Well, well, well, look who is in charge now… It’s me! The social media hero (that’s what I call myself),” the mystery admin announced. “So, one question: what should I do with these accounts?”</p> <p>So far, the self-appointed “social media hero” has shared six rogue posts that are funnier than half the comedy on TV right now – and that’s not just our opinion. Former co-host Lisa Wilkinson chimed in with, “I am SO HERE FOR THIS!!” while Rove McManus, part-owner of the show’s production company, added, “I just assumed the news stopped when we did.” Mood.</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/DLhO6vEzFDv/?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/p/DLhO6vEzFDv/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Project (@theprojecttv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Other ex-<em>Project</em> personalities Gorgi Coghlan and Georgia Love offered moral support in the form of popcorn and laughing emojis, which in 2025 might as well be legal tender.</p> <p>But the rogue admin isn’t just here for the nostalgia. They’ve been keeping up with current events – kind of. One post featured a video of a woman being taken out by wild winds during this week’s “bomb cyclone” in NSW.</p> <p>“We have been off air for less than a week, and a woman has been knocked over by a fridge box?” read the caption. “You just can’t make this stuff up.”</p> <p>Honestly? This person deserves their own spin-off show. Or at the very least, a raise – assuming they’re still employed.</p> <p>No word yet from Ten HQ, but we suspect someone in middle management is frantically Googling “how to revoke Instagram access”.</p> <p>Until then, we live, laugh and like.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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"It hurts like a b***h!" TV star axed ahead of 2026 season

<p>After nearly a decade at the helm, longtime <em>Australian Survivor</em> host Jonathan LaPaglia has been axed from the show ahead of its 2026 season.</p> <p>LaPaglia, 55, who has hosted the Channel 10 reality series since its 2016 revival, confirmed in an emotional Instagram post that he had been “blindsided” by the decision, delivered via a phone call from the network.</p> <p>“<em>Australian Survivor</em> has seen some of the most epic blindsides over the last 10 years, but this one might just be the craziest of them all… because it happened to me,” LaPaglia wrote.</p> <p>He explained that Channel 10 thanked him for his contribution but said they were “going in a different direction” after recent ratings dips, prompting what he described as not a tribe swap, but a “HOST SWAP®.”</p> <p>LaPaglia, who has already filmed the upcoming 13th season titled <em>Australia v The World</em>, described the decision as painful.</p> <p>“I wish I could say, ‘Before we go to vote, tonight is a little different….no one’s going home.’ But I can’t. None of that non-elim bulls**t tonight! Someone IS going home. And with no idol in my back pocket, that someone is me,” he said.</p> <p>He also paid tribute to the show’s crew, contestants and loyal fans, calling it “one of the greatest adventures” of his career. “It is without a doubt the hardest challenge of all to snuff my own torch,” he added. “But here goes; ‘JLP… the tribe has spoken.’”</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/reel/DLghpD-tzIv/?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/reel/DLghpD-tzIv/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by @jonathanlapaglia</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>While no official replacement has been named, it’s widely rumoured that <em>Survivor</em> alum and <em>Deal or No Deal Island</em> winner David Genat, 45, will step into the role. Genat, who won<em> Australian Survivor: All Stars</em> in 2020, recently <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/aussie-tv-star-wins-9-2m-on-game-show-the-largest-in-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made global headlines</a> after winning a staggering $US5.8 million ($A9.2 million) on the US game show.</p> <p>LaPaglia will return for one final season when <em>Australia v The World</em> airs later this year – an instalment he has called “probably our best season EVER” – then ended it all with one last thought on being let go from the network this way:</p> <p>"Whoever said a blindside is the most humane way to put someone down is an idiot. It hurts like a b***h!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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ABC rumoured to be axing Q+A amid fresh round of cuts

<p>Long-running ABC current affairs program <em>Q+A</em> is reportedly facing the axe after 17 years on Australian television, with multiple media outlets citing unnamed sources within the national broadcaster.</p> <p>The influential panel show, which launched in 2008 with Tony Jones as host, is said to have been dropped ahead of its scheduled return in August. The decision places <em>Q+A</em> among a growing list of legacy programs facing the chopping block, coming just days after Channel Ten confirmed it was ending <em>The Project</em> following a 16-year run.</p> <p><em>Q+A</em> went into its scheduled hiatus in mid-May, and it remains unclear whether it will return at all in 2025. ABC’s new managing director, Hugh Marks, is expected to reveal sweeping changes at the public broadcaster this week, including potential staff redundancies and confirmation of the show’s fate.</p> <p>The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) warned ABC staff on Tuesday that job cuts were imminent, with employees reportedly being called into meetings to discuss a major restructure. Marks, who replaced David Anderson in March, has previously signalled a focus on streamlining the broadcaster’s operations, suggesting the ABC may need to “do fewer things better” in the future.</p> <p>In addition to cuts, the ABC is expected to announce new content initiatives, including a dedicated documentary unit championed by ABC chair Kim Williams.</p> <p>Created by executive producer Peter McEvoy, <em>Q+A</em> debuted in May 2008 and quickly became a flagship program for the ABC. Its format, inspired by the BBC’s <em>Question Time</em>, brought politicians, experts and members of the public together to debate national issues in real time.</p> <p>Following Jones’ departure in 2019, the show struggled to maintain its ratings. Hamish Macdonald took over as host in 2020, before stepping down amid mixed reviews. Stan Grant’s brief tenure in 2022 ended after he became the target of racist abuse unrelated to the show. The current host, Patricia Karvelas, has led the program since early 2023.</p> <p>While viewership has modestly improved under Karvelas, the show’s ratings remain among the lowest in the ABC’s current affairs stable. A 2023 “Garma Special” episode drew just 84,000 metro viewers – <em>Q+A</em>’s lowest figures on record.</p> <p>The ABC has not officially confirmed the program’s cancellation. However, the coming days are expected to bring clarity as the national broadcaster embarks on a major overhaul under new leadership.</p> <p><em>Image: ABC</em></p>

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"Ignorant": Steve Price hits out after The Project's axing

<p>Veteran broadcaster Steve Price has hit out at critics celebrating the axing of <em>The Project</em>, following Channel 10’s confirmation the long-running panel show will end later this month.</p> <p>The network officially announced on Monday morning that <em>The Project</em> will wrap up on Friday, June 27, after 16 years on Australian television. The show’s current hosts, including Sarah Harris and Waleed Aly, later addressed the decision in an emotionally charged segment on Monday night.</p> <p>But it was longtime contributor Steve Price who offered the strongest response, using his <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/opinion/steve-price-those-dancing-on-grave-of-woke-the-project-expose-their-own-ignorance/news-story/501e7571691910f519c6664883a7c036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">latest Herald Sun column</a> to condemn those who have mocked the show’s demise.</p> <p>“Those ignorant people doing the ‘glad they got sacked’ dance over the cancellation called the show woke and leftie – hello, I am the exact opposite of that description – and have been there from almost the start,” Price wrote.</p> <p>“Show me that sort of political balance on any ABC TV show – you can’t,” he added, defending the program’s diversity of viewpoints and insisting<em> The Project</em> was “the best resourced media show I have ever worked on”.</p> <p>Price also expressed dismay over Channel 10’s decision to base the upcoming replacement show in Sydney, lamenting the impact on <em>The Project</em>’s Melbourne-based crew.</p> <p>“Behind the scenes was a gifted, hardworking crew of young producers, comedy writers, editors, journalists, camera operators, make-up artists and wardrobe assistants,” he wrote. “Most if not all these talented crew are now out of work as the replacement show moves to Sydney.”</p> <p>“Melbourne and Australia has lost something unique this week – a live TV show with passion, courage, humour and a heart. It’s sad.”</p> <p>During Monday night’s broadcast, co-host Sarah Harris also fought back tears as she paid tribute to the production team that made the nightly show possible.</p> <p>“I am so grateful that I got to sit on this desk and play TV with all of you,” Harris said. “But it is the people who make a show, and <em>The Project</em> isn’t just the people on this desk. It is the cast and crew behind the scenes… They’re the real stars.”</p> <p>She went on to praise the unsung workers who kept the show running night after night: “The producers, editors and cameramen and women, the floor crew, the people in the control room, the director and the hair and make-up team – all of them who work their guts out every night, six nights a week to get us on air.”</p> <p><em>The Project</em> launched in 2009 with a fresh take on news and current affairs and became a staple of the primetime lineup. It featured a rotating panel of journalists, comedians and commentators, with a mix of hard-hitting interviews and light entertainment.</p> <p>While its ratings have fluctuated in recent years, the show retained a loyal audience and played host to high-profile guests, including world leaders, Hollywood stars and prominent Australians.</p> <p>Its cancellation marks the end of an era for Channel 10, and a major shift in Australia’s TV landscape as the network retools its primetime strategy in a fiercely competitive market increasingly dominated by streaming platforms.</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

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Marty Sheargold axed from Triple M after Matildas comments

<p>Radio host Marty Sheargold has been axed by Triple M after "disgusting" <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/disgusting-radio-host-slammed-over-women-s-sports-comments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">comments</a> made regarding the Matildas and women's sport.</p> <p>The network confirmed that Sheargold had been let go, as Southern Cross Austereo chief content officer Dave Cameron said in a statement, "Triple M and Marty Sheargold have mutually agreed to part ways."</p> <p>"SCA takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders, and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience.</p> <p>"Right now, it's clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff. Triple M acknowledges Marty's contribution over the past four years, and we wish him well for the future."</p> <p>After the announcement was made about Sheargold's position at Triple M, he issued his own statement to apologise for the offence he had caused. </p> <p>"Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments," he said.</p> <p>"I'd like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation.I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in."</p> <p>Sheargold's rant prompted many to speak out in defence of the Matildas and women's sport in general, with respected Channel 7 sports presenter Mel McLaughlin finishing her sports news segment on Wednesday evening with her thoughts on the situation. </p> <p>“Just a word on the bizarre, pathetic, and embarrassing comments we heard earlier regarding our mighty Matildas,” McLaughlin said on Seven.</p> <p>“They obviously do not represent how any of us feel, and hopefully all the girls and boys out there know that.”</p> <p>“This is by no means a backward step on how far we’ve come and women’s football, and women’s sport in general, as we know guys, is awesome.”</p> <p>Matildas coach Tom Sermanni was also among those to scold Sheargold, as he said, "As sporting teams, we're used to criticisms – but sometimes the comments cross the line and that one certainly did cross the line."</p> <p>"It was firstly completely unnecessary and generally outrageous ... And you know, it's something that just from a behavioural perspective is really, very, very disappointing."</p> <p>"For me, it's not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense – although that's unacceptable, let me make that clear. It's kind of what the comments were."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Triple M</em></p>

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"You ain't seen nothing yet": Radio star's inspiring message after shock axing

<p>In a move that has left loyal listeners reeling, Triple M has officially called time on The Night Shift and its beloved host, Luke Bona. The veteran broadcaster aired his final show in the early hours of Friday morning, marking the end of an era for overnight radio in Australia.</p> <p>For fans, the abrupt end came as a shock, with the first signs of trouble emerging on Wednesday evening when a cryptic Facebook post appeared on The Night Shift's official page.</p> <p>"No show this evening, so please don't freak out if you hear just music playing," Bona and producer Thomas Denham wrote, sparking speculation about the show's future.</p> <p>By the next day, the fears of the show's dedicated audience were confirmed – Bona and Denham announced that The Night Shift would be going off the air for good, wrapping up with one final broadcast from midnight to 5am on Friday.</p> <p>"It's with a heavy heart that we share The Night Shift will be coming to a close this week, but management have graciously given us the chance for one last hurrah," the duo wrote in a follow-up Facebook post. "For the last time from midnight 'til sparrow's fart across seventy-something transmitters, we will do our best to entertain and keep you company."</p> <p>Bona, who helmed the program for nearly nine years, built a reputation as a top-tier interviewer, securing big-name guests – including breakfast TV star Samantha Armytage – to chat with as they made their way to early morning gigs. His ability to connect with listeners, especially those working overnight shifts, made The Night Shift a staple of late-night radio.</p> <p>The program, which aired across more than 70 Southern Cross Austereo and independent stations, also received industry recognition. In 2019, it was nominated for four Australian Commercial Radio Awards, including Best Talk Presenter and Best Current Affairs Presenter for Bona, Best Show Producer – Talk/Current Affairs, and the prestigious Brian White Award for Radio Journalism.</p> <p>The cancellation of The Night Shift comes amid a wave of programming cuts at Triple M. The network recently axed The Rush Hour with Gus Worland, Jude Bolton and Aaron Woods, as well as Mark Geyer and Mick Molloy’s breakfast show. Additionally, Dead Set Legends, hosted by Candice Warner, Richard Freedman and Brendan Annakin, was also dropped from the schedule.</p> <p>As Bona signed off for the final time, he left fans with a final message of: "Tonight we say goodbye to The Night Shift, but baby you ain't seen nothing yet. Let's give 'em something to talk about."</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p>

Music

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Neighbours axed ... again!

<p>Well, here we go again.</p> <p>Beloved Aussie soap <em>Neighbours</em> is being axed – again – after production company Fremantle failed to strike a new deal with Amazon. The show, which has already cheated death once, will stop production this summer, with its final-ever (no, really, we mean it this time) episode airing at the end of the year, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/33479098/neighbours-axed-again-amazon-two-years/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em></a>.</p> <p>This comes just two years after Amazon swooped in to rescue the show from the TV graveyard following its initial cancellation. In a move that delighted fans and brought a few nostalgic tears to the eyes of those who grew up watching Ramsay Street’s endless drama, Amazon announced in late 2022 that <em>Neighbours</em> would return in a multi-year deal.</p> <p>For those who remember the <em>first</em> final episode (which, in hindsight, now seems like a premature farewell party), it was an emotional send-off, featuring the triumphant return of some of Australia’s biggest stars, including Margot Robbie, Kylie Minogue and Guy Pearce. The soap, which first hit screens in 1985, appeared to be signing off for good.</p> <p>But then – plot twist! Just a few months later, Amazon decided <em>Neighbours</em> wasn’t dead after all and revived it with a refreshed production, bringing Ramsay Street back to life in 2023. Fans rejoiced. Nostalgia surged. And once more, the fictional Melbourne suburb found itself caught up in affairs, family feuds and, presumably, an alarming number of dramatic misunderstandings.</p> <p>However, the drama behind the scenes has proven just as turbulent as on-screen. Last year, Amazon pulled the plug on Freevee – the service that was airing <em>Neighbours</em> worldwide – and merged it into Prime Video. And now, after two years of streaming, it seems the show has once again reached the end of the road. (Or should that be cul-de-sac?)</p> <p>So, is this really the final farewell? Or will <em>Neighbours</em> pull off another miraculous resurrection down the line? Given its track record, we wouldn’t bet against it. After all, soap operas are famous for unexpected comebacks – and Ramsay Street has already proven it’s got more lives than Harold Bishop.</p> <p>For now, though, fans might want to start emotionally preparing themselves for another round of tearful goodbyes, at least until someone else decides to give <em>Neighbours</em> yet another fresh start.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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Erin Molan speaks out after abrupt axing

<p>Erin Molan has broken her silence after her show on Sky News Australia was abruptly cancelled, just two months after her 2GB radio show was also axed. </p> <p>Molan presented her final current affairs show on Sky News on Friday, before taking to Instagram to discuss her departure with her dedicated followers. </p> <p>In a video posted to social media, Erin said, "Well, first of all, hi. Wow, what a few days, I'm so grateful to everyone who has reached out and shared messages of support. You are all absolutely phenomenal. It's meant so so much to me, so thank you, my mind is seriously blown."</p> <p>She continued, "You've seen the news by now, clearly, that I finished up with Sky. I loved every second of my time with Sky, my show there became my purpose, my passion, and aside from my little girl, basically my entire existence, which is very sad, I know. And yes, I need to get out more."</p> <p>Erin then shared that while she is "done" with Sky now, she is "just getting started".</p> <p>"So, I'm sorry to those who had hoped otherwise," she said, jokingly adding, "I'm somewhat surprisingly much harder to kill off than you think."</p> <p>She added that her problem is that she cares "too much" about people, and "about the world, about a peaceful existence for every single child, about the safety of women everywhere".</p> <p>Erin revealed she's received job offers from other networks, admitting it would be nice to have "fewer death threats, more stability, a simpler life", however, she feels compelled to use her platform to shed more light on issues she is passionate about, such as the ongoing war in Gaza. </p> <p>"I won't ever accept what the world is dishing up right now, and nor should you," she said. "I will never bury my head in the sand, because that is not how I was raised."</p> <p>She finished by telling her followers to "watch this space".</p> <p>Erin's time at Sky News draws to a close just months after her radio show, co-hosted by Dave Hughes and Ed Kavalee, was also <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/beloved-breakfast-radio-show-pulled-off-air" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pulled off the air</a> after three years. </p> <p><em>Image credits: for AWAPAC/Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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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>

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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>

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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>

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