Shock as another popular Channel Seven star quits the network amid mass bloodbath

Sport presenter Abbey Gelmi has announced she will be leaving Channel Seven after almost two years in the role.

Gelmi has been weekend sport newsreader since April 2022, but she told the Herald Sun on Friday that she 'will be moving on to the next chapter'.

'I've had so many incredible opportunities at Seven but it's the right time for the next chapter,' she said.

'I'm forever grateful for the experience and life long friends gained.'

Gelmi, who was announced as the new host of ABC's Offsiders last month, explained it was a 'mutual decision to part ways'.

Director of Seven News Chris Salter added: 'From the Olympics, to the AFL, cricket, motorsport and horse racing — Abbey has covered it all.'

Abbey Gelmi has announced she will be leaving Seven after almost two years in the role

'She's the ultimate all rounder and leaves Seven with some lifelong friends. We know she'll be a success in whatever she chooses to do next.'

It comes after Ben Davis, the head of sport at Channel Seven in Queensland, was axed this month after working for the network for 30 years.

The veteran presenter, 50, confirmed that his contract has not been renewed.

Davis, who is expected to finish up his role by the end of this month, revealed that management told him he had done nothing wrong.

Davis, who is married and has three children, posted to LinkedIn: 'Naturally, I'm disappointed my contract with Seven News wasn't renewed, but as it was explained to me, this was nothing to do with performance, ability, or talent – it's just business.'

Elsewhere in his post, Davis thanked viewers, family and colleagues.

'The friendships and relationships forged either side of the camera and microphone still last to this day,' he said.

His departure followed that of Seven's Melbourne weekend weather presenter Sonia Marinelli, who announced her exit earlier this month.

She has been weekend sport newsreader since April 2022 but told the Herald Sun , she 'will be moving on to the next chapter'

Gelmi, who was announced as the new host of ABC's Offsiders last month, explained it was a 'mutual decision to part ways'. Pictured with Seven sportscaster Hamish McLachlan (right)

'I am stepping away from my role at 7News. My husband and I have decided to make a sea-change,' she said in a statement.

'We will be taking our four young children on an adventure up the east coast. This decision has been years in the making.

'After spending most of my TV news career talking about our weather, I'm excited to get out and actually enjoy it with those I love most.'

Despite recent rumours that a high-profile network would be axing a weather presenter, Seven told the Herald Sun that Marinelli left on her own terms.

Marinelli is the latest in a series of popular presenters leaving Seven over the past year.

In August, senior 7News reporter Steve Hart also left, and will be moving to WIN News in Wollongong.

His departure followed Shane Webcke's shock exit from the sports news desk the previous week.

It comes after Ben Davis, the head of sport at Channel Seven in Queensland, was axed this month after working for the network for 30 years

They are among the Seven employees who have had their roles reduced or been axed amid the network's cost-cutting bloodbath over the past year.

Seven West Media slashed 150 editorial staff in a round of redundancies which claimed big names including Queenslanders newsreader Sharyn Ghidella and veteran weatherman Paul Burt.

Seven Network's recently appointed news and current affairs boss Anthony De Ceglie has been replacing sections leaders across the country with younger managers.

Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide all have fresh news directors, and new executive producers have been put in charge of Sunrise, Weekend Sunrise and Spotlight.

Click here to read article