Home Entertainment Veteran Nine News star announces shock retirement after 17 years at the network

Veteran Nine News star announces shock retirement after 17 years at the network

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Veteran Channel Nine star Andrew Lofthouse (pictured) has announced his retirement after 17 years with the network.

Veteran Channel Nine star Andrew Lofthouse is retiring after 17 years with the network.

Nine News Queensland presenter Lofthouse, 62, admitted on Monday and revealed he would be stepping back due to health concerns.

“I’ve been in business for a long time,” Loftouse said in a statement.

‘I’ve done a lot of things with Nine. “It has been an incredible privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business.”

He added: “And, of course, some incredible spectators who make it all worth it.”

Lofhouse admitted that an undisclosed health problem had forced him out of his presenter’s chair.

Veteran Channel Nine star Andrew Lofthouse (pictured) has announced his retirement after 17 years with the network.

Nine News Queensland presenter Lofthouse, 62, admitted on Monday and revealed he would be stepping back due to health concerns.

Nine News Queensland presenter Lofthouse, 62, admitted on Monday and revealed he would be stepping back due to health concerns.

“I’m currently dealing with a little health issue, so now is a good time to back off and slow down a little after my dream race,” he said.

‘Thanks for watching!’

Lofthouse co-star Melissa Downes praised the outgoing host, calling them “gentlemen of the TV news business.”

“He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism and cares about every story in our newsletter,” she said.

“Lofty is much more than just a colleague, he is one of my closest friends and I am incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk.”

Similarly, 9News Queensland news director Brendan Hockings also praised the star.

‘He is the journalist who offers to carry the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cup,’ he said.

‘The news anchor who is seen as nothing more than part of the team.

1737353697 654 Veteran Nine News star announces shock retirement after 17 years

“I’m currently dealing with a little health issue, so now is a good time to back off and slow down a little after my dream race,” he said.

Lofthouse co-star Melissa Downes (right) praised the outgoing host, calling him a

Lofthouse co-star Melissa Downes (right) praised the outgoing host, calling him a “gentleman of the TV news business.”

1737353698 185 Veteran Nine News star announces shock retirement after 17 years

“He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism and cares about every story in our newsletter,” she said.

“The example you have set as a journalist is the gold standard,” he continued.

“It’s rare, it’s loved and it will forever be Nine Queensland.”

The Courier Mail reported that staff were informed of Lofthouse’s decision on Monday morning.

The publication claimed that speculation about the presenter’s future had been swirling since Lofhouse was last seen on air on November 1.

Melissa will continue to present 9News Queensland solo until a co-host is announced.

After an 18-year stint at the ABC, Lofthouse joined the Nine News Queensland team in 2009.

He took on the role of weekend news anchor in 2009, replacing eventual co-anchor Melissa Downes.

That same year, Lofthouse joined Downes on the weekday desk, replacing Bruce Paige.

The duo proved to be a viewer favorite, taking the newsletter to the top of the local ratings in 2013.

It comes amid turmoil at Channel Nine after a star was dropped from her high-profile role this week after accepting a sizeable cash prize from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli.

The wealthy listener gifted Today show host Alex Cullen $50,000 after being the first media personality to use his new self-proclaimed nickname ‘McLaren Man’ live on Friday morning.

Portelli has grown tired of his long-standing nickname ‘Mr. Lambo’, which he kept after appearing in a 2022 auction on the popular home renovation show The Block with a yellow Lamborghini.

Channel Nine said Cullen had agreed to resign on Saturday while the network investigated the payment, the Sunday Herald Sun reported.

“Nine is taking this matter very seriously,” a spokesperson told the publication.

‘Appropriate action has been taken quickly, including the return of funds.

“While we review the circumstances under which this occurred, Alex has agreed to retire.”

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