SYDNEY: The troubled relationship between the Nine Network and Today show host Jessica Rowe is over, with Nine announcing late on Saturday night that Rowe would not return to hosting duties.
In a three paragraph statement from Nine corporate affairs, the network said Rowe would not be returning to the network and that Nine had reached an agreement to allow Rowe “to take up other opportunities for her career”.
Garry Linnell, Nine head of news & current affairs, thanked Rowe for her contribution to Nine and wished her every success with her future career.
“Both Nine and Jessica have agreed that there will be no further comment on this matter,” the statement said.
Since joining the troubled Today show, Rowe was consistently blamed for its ratings demise. Rowe and Nine CEO Eddie McGuire were left red-faced last year when a departing Nine executive leaked an affadavit claiming McGuire wanted to "bone" (or sack) Rowe from the show.
By the end of last week, Today was trailing the Seven Network’s Sunrise program by 171,000 viewers.
Sunday Sunrise co-host Lisa Wilkinson and current fill-in Kellie Connolly have been tipped to replace Rowe on Today.
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