One of Channel Nine’s biggest stars is changing roles after more than 25 years.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Hitchener (77), who has anchored Nine’s weekday news since 1998, has been moved to weekends due to health reasons.
The broadcaster announced the news on Saturday, confirming both Alicia Loxley (42) and Tom Steinfort (39) as his replacements.
The pair have a long history with the network, with Loxley anchoring 9News Melbourne for the past 12 years, while Steinfort is a long-time correspondent for 60 Minutes.
Hugh Nailon, managing director of 9News Melbourne, said in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome Alicia and Tom to the front of our news team.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Hitchener (77), who has anchored Nine’s weekday news since 1998, has been moved to weekends due to health reasons.
The broadcaster announced the news on Saturday, confirming both Alicia Loxley (42) (left) and Tom Steinfort (39) (right) as Hitchener’s successors
As this is only the fourth series for the Bulletin, it truly is the beginning of a new era,” they continued.
“We have big plans for 2024 and look forward to giving viewers the most accurate and informative news from 9News they can trust.”
Meanwhile, 9News Melbourne director Hugh Nailon issued a statement regarding Hitchener’s future at the station.
“We are delighted that Hitch will remain a valued and loved part of the 9News Melbourne family,” Nailon said.
“He has an unwavering passion for bringing news to Melbourne and we look forward to the wealth of experience he will continue to bring to our weekend broadcasts.”
The new range will be on the market in January 2024.
Hitchener is photographed with Livinia Nixon during one of his weekly broadcasts
Hitch is one of Channel Nine’s most popular characters. (Pictured with Livinia, Richard Wilkins and Karl Stefanovic)
Hitchener spent months denying growing rumors that he was about to walk away from Channel Nine.
The 77-year-old, who recently celebrated 50 years with the broadcaster, insisted stories about his retirement were greatly exaggerated.
“To be clear, the first I heard about my so-called retirement was when I read about it in @theheraldsun this afternoon,” Peter wrote on Instagram in July.
“It’s a great honor and privilege to host the news and I hope to do so for several years.”
In 2021, the veteran news anchor took a step away to host the news full-time.
In March 2021, Peter was taken off air by Channel Nine at 6pm in the middle of the Melbourne news
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, a Channel Nine representative confirmed that Peter had returned to Four Days a Week.
In April this year, Peter gave an update on his health after being taken off air in the middle of Channel Nine’s Melbourne News at 6pm.
He sparked concern after stumbling over his words due to a migraine on March 29, prompting producers to quickly switch to pre-recorded narration.
Peter assured the Herald Sun that “everything is fine” with his health and confirmed that he has been looking after himself more than ever since the incident on the show.
“I’m doing very well now and make sure I drink a lot of water,” he said, confirming that he had visited the hospital as a precaution.
Peter, who returned to work soon after, added that he had only been suffering from migraines for a few years.
“It was the first time it was broadcast and I hope it never happens again,” he said.
READ MORE: Big excitement over the Today show as new weekend presenters announced following Belinda Russell’s shock exit
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Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
