Mike Whitney departs Sydney Weekender after 27 years
Seven has announced veteran Sydney Weekender host, Mike Whitney will leave the show after 27 years, with his final episode airing on Sunday the 30th of January.
Mike Whitney leaves the show after 27 years as host
His final episode will see Whitney joined by Matt Shirvington, who will take over hosting duties following Whitney’s decision to resign.
On his time hosting the program, Whitney said: “Twenty-seven years! To do anything for that long is a very long time. I had the best hosting job in Australia. I got to travel everywhere in NSW, meet the most amazing people, and do the most amazing things. People pay to do the stuff that I got paid to do. I’m very grateful that I got the opportunity to work on this show.”
“People ask me if I’m going to miss it. Sure, I am going to miss it. It feels a bit surreal. But I had an incredible cricket career as well and I had to retire from that. And who gets to retire twice from two wonderful careers?” Whitney added.
Former Olympian and 7 News sports presenter Matt Shirvington will take on the role as host in February
Taking over the reins is former Olympian and 7 News sports presenter Matt Shirvington, who has more than 10 years’ experience presenting and reporting from some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Commenting on his new role, Shirvington said: “Taking over from a TV legend like Mike Whitney, who’s graced our Sunday afternoons showing us around our beautiful state for more than two decades, is a huge responsibility. Mike leaves some very big shoes to fill. I feel honoured and excited to be given the chance.”
Despite Seven announcing the show had been one amongst a number of travel shows axed in late 2019, Sydney Weekender’s production has continued through 2020 and 2021 with no indication of production ceasing any time soon.
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