The Studio 10 panel today addressed the widely publicised slew of redundancies across Network 10, which included the axing of Kerri-Anne Kennerly, Natarsha Belling and weatherman Tim Bailey.
Host Sarah Harris addressed the news that several of her colleagues would be leaving the network, telling viewers:
“You’ve probably read all about the cuts that have had to be made here at the network. It is all true. In a few months time, Studio 10 will look very different to it does now. We’re losing colleagues, mates, we’re losing family members essentially. How is everyone doing?” she asked.
Controversial host Kerri-Anne, who was axed by the network along with 25 others on Tuesday, then gave an emotional farewell speech, while saying she was “grateful” for her time on the morning show.
“I just know I’m back on the ‘lazy Susan’ of television,” she began. “Yeah, it’s very very tough for a lot of people.”
“But I’ve always worked on a personal level, the Charles Darwin theory that says to survive you don’t need to be the most intelligent. You don’t have to be the strongest, but you have to be, to survive, the most adaptable.”
She went on to say she’s “had a ball” working with co-hosts Joe Hildebrand, Sarah Harris and Angela Bishop, but couldn’t help but taking a sly jab at Ten during her emotional exit speech.
Love Film & TV?
Get the latest Film & TV news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more
“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 in reference to her marching band-style jacket.
“Companies do these sort of cuts to make the business better, which in the long run saves a lot more jobs,” Kennerley 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.”
Host Sarah Harris and entertainment reporter Angela Bishop are staying on board with the Network on Studio 10, with Denise Drysdale and Denise Scott remaining as contributors.
Narelda Jacobs will remain as newsreader and Jono Coleman will present the advertorial segments as normal, while Joe Hildebrand’s future with the show remains unknown.
