Two ABC names are the leading contenders to replace News Breakfast co-host Lisa Millar, who announced her departure this week.
On Wednesday, Millar announced live on air that she would be leaving ABC News Breakfast after five years as co-host of the show.
Bridget Brennan and Emma Rebellato are two top candidates to replace the long-time co-host, according to Television Tonight.
Brennan is currently a news presenter on the ABC’s Breakfast Show and was previously the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs Editor, European Correspondent in London and National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent.
Rebellato joined the ABC in 2008 and has worked in a variety of roles in the Adelaide newsroom.
She previously worked at FiveAA in Adelaide before becoming Nova 919’s first female breakfast news presenter.
Millar’s last day on ABC News Breakfast will be Friday 23 August.
“It’s been a fantastic last five years, whether it’s been interviewing prime ministers and world opinion leaders or being supported at karaoke by my childhood idol Gladys Knight,” Millar said on Wednesday’s show.
ABC star Lisa Millar has announced she will be leaving ABC News Breakfast on Wednesday
“In 35 years of journalism, I have never done anything so exciting, unpredictable and fun. This has only worked because of the incredible team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes, who have made me laugh.”
Millar will remain at the national broadcaster in a project-based role.
“I’m going on to have more adventures with Back Roads and Muster Dogs. Muster Dogs just keeps getting bigger and bigger. There’s a lot to do and exciting new projects. That means it’s a farewell,” he said.
Millar’s appearance on the show included controversy last year when she wore a skirt with a high slit that some viewers felt was too revealing.
Millar said she felt sickened by the comments, especially since they were made so close to International Women’s Day.
Bridget Brennan (right) is one of two front-runners to replace the long-serving co-host. Pictured here with Michael Rowland
Emma Rebellato, who joined ABC in 2008, is also a leading contender. She is pictured here with Lisa Millar.
“The fact that what I wore on Monday attracted nasty comments on Twitter, disgusting personal insults that I did not want to and could not repeat here, was disturbing,” she said at the time.
‘I’m angry on this International Women’s Day. Angry on behalf of myself and also on behalf of other women, young women, who see these stories and see someone like me being violently abused day in and day out, for whatever reason the harassers can find.
“I’m worried that this might make you think that progress isn’t being made and that it’s not worth it to be a woman in the public sphere.”
Millar went on to say that she had received an outpouring of support following the harassment, which had given her “hope”.
Millar first presented ABC News Breakfast in 2018 and became a permanent presenter alongside Michael Rowland the following year.
Millar’s last day on ABC News Breakfast will be Friday 23 August.
She joined ABC in 1993 and is one of the network’s longest-serving foreign correspondents, having worked as a bureau chief in both the United States and Europe.
ABC News chief Justin Stevens said the network valued Millar “immensely.”
“Lisa Millar is an outstanding journalist and presenter who embodies the best values and attributes of ABC journalists,” he said.
‘While we are sad to lose her from News, I am excited to see her take advantage of this opportunity and continue to go from strength to strength at ABC.
‘He has done a fantastic job presenting News Breakfast for the past five years, one of the toughest jobs in Australian television.
‘The tireless hours never hampered her incredible warmth and energy, nor her passion for delivering the best program for her audience.’