Weekend Today co-host Belinda Russell has announced she is leaving the show.
The popular presenter, 44, who is known for her viral TikTok dance videos, shared the news via a statement on Instagram on Sunday night.
She gave no reason for her departure and it is unclear whether she left of her own accord or whether her departure was a management decision.
Russell, who began her career at Nine as a reporter for A Current Affair in 2007, last appeared on Weekend Today on Sunday, February 26, alongside co-host Clint Stanaway.
There was no mention of her leaving the show and she did not receive any kind of farewell, which is common for departing presenters.
Weekend Today co-host Belinda Russell (pictured) has announced she is leaving the show
Jayne Azzopardi filled in for Russell on Today last weekend, along with Stanaway and newscaster Lizzie Pearl.
While absent from Weekend Today, Russell did her usual weather bulletin for the Sydney evening news on Saturday.
In a succinct statement on her “career update,” she wished the Today team “good luck” and confirmed that she “looks forward to future opportunities” at Nine.
‘Hello friends. A little career update for you. My time on Weekend Today has come to an end. Thanks to those who tuned in,’ she began.
“I hope I’ve brought some sunshine and joy to your weekends. I have enjoyed the past year and look forward to future opportunities at Nine.
“Good luck to the team for 2023 and beyond!”
Nine staffers flocked to the comments section to wish Russell well, while her former Today Extra co-host David Campbell wrote, “My sister.”
Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie of The Block added, “Wherever you appear on Nine, you’ll always add a very special dose of joy.”
Charles Croucher, Nine’s political editor, who shared the Weekend Today desk with Russell in 2022, said, “What a treat it was to spend those mornings with you!”
Tim Davies, the roving weather presenter for the Today show, added: ‘Loved my time next to you! More fun times to come.’
Nine has not issued a statement regarding Russell’s departure from Weekend Today. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the network for comment.
After joining Nine 16 years ago, Russell steadily rose through the ranks and became the weekday weather presenter for Nine News Sydney in 2013.
She became a familiar face to daytime TV viewers when she filled in for Today Extra in 2019 while Sylvia Jeffreys was on maternity leave.
She continued to present the Friday morning program with David Campbell after Jeffreys returned to work a year later.
She was appointed co-host of Weekend Today along with Charles Croucher and Richard Wilkins in November 2021.
Russell shares three daughters with her Sky News husband Mark Calvert, who was previously Nine’s director of morning television.
Russell shares three daughters with her Sky News executive husband, Mark Calvert, who was previously Nine’s director of morning television (all pictured)
In addition to her TV career, Russell is known for her viral dance videos on TikTok where she has over 400,000 followers. (She is pictured here with David Campbell)
In addition to her TV career, Russell is known for her viral dance videos on TikTok where she has over 400,000 followers.
Her videos, some of which have been viewed millions of times, once famously caught the attention of baseball great Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez in Mary 2021.
Rodriguez, who had just ended his engagement to Jennifer Lopez at the time, sent Russell a direct message on Instagram, praising her “amazing feed.”
After her “celebrity encounter” was discussed on Today, the New York Yankees legend released a statement saying his daughters sent the message using his phone.
Her videos, some of which have been viewed millions of times, once caught the attention of baseball great Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez (right, with Jennifer Lopez) in May 2021.
Rodriguez, who had just ended his engagement to J.Lo at the time, sent Russell this DM on Instagram, praising her “great feed.” After her “celebrity encounter” was discussed on Today, Rodriguez released a statement saying his daughters sent the message using his phone