Veteran Channel Nine star Andrew Lofthouse is retiring after 17 years with the network.
Lofthouse, 62, who is the anchor for Nine News Queensland, made the admission on Monday, revealing he was stepping back due to health concerns.
‘I’ve been in the business a long time,’ Loftouse said in a statement.
‘I’ve done a heck of a lot with Nine. It’s Been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business.’
He added: ‘And of course, or incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile.’
Lofhouse admitted that an undisclosed health issue had forced him to vacate his anchor chair.
Veteran Channel Nine star Andrew Lofthouse (pictured) has announced his retirement after 17 years with the network
Lofthouse, 62, who is the anchor for Nine News Queensland made the admission on Monday, revealing he was stepping back due to health concerns
‘I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career,’ he said.
‘Thanks for watching!’
Lofthouse’s co- star Melissa Downes was full of praise for the departing host, labelling him a ‘gentlemen of the TV news business.’
‘He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism, taking an interest in every story in our bulletin,’ she said.
‘Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, he’s one of my closest friends and I’m so incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk.’
Similarly, 9News Queensland News Director Brendan Hockings was also full or praise for the star.
‘He is the journo who offers to carry the tripod. The colleague who makes you a cuppa, ‘ he said.
‘The news anchor who doesn’t see himself as any more than part of the team.
‘I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back and slow down a little after a dream career,’ he said
Lofthouse’s co- star Melissa Downes (right) was full of praise for the departing host, labelling him as a ‘gentlemen of the TV news business’
‘He is incredibly passionate about quality journalism, taking an interest in every story in our bulletin,’ she said
‘The example he has set as a newsman is the gold standard’ he continued.
‘He is rare, he is loved and he is forever Nine Queensland.’
The Courier Mail reported that staff were informed of Lofthouse’s decision on Monday morning.
The publication claimed that speculation around he anchor’s future had been swirling with Lofhouse last seen on air sn November 1.
Melissa will continue to present 9News Queensland solo until a co-host is announced.
After an 18-year stint at the ABC, Lofthouse joined the Nine News Queensland team in 2009.
He took on the role of weekend news presenter in 2009, taking over from eventual co-host Melissa Downes.
That same year, Lofthouse joined Downes on the weeknight desk, taking over from Bruce paige.
The duo proved a viewer favourite, taking the bulletin to the top of the local ratings in 2013.
It comes amid turmoil at Channel Nine after a star was stood down this week from his high profile role after accepting a sizable cash prize from The Block billionaire Adrian Portelli.
The rich lister gifted Today show presenter Alex Cullen $50,000 after he was the first media personality to use his new self-given nickname ‘McLaren Man’ live on air on Friday morning.
Portelli has grown tired of his long-used nickname ‘Mr Lambo’ which had stuck after he turned up to a 2022 auction of popular house makeover show The Block in a yellow Lamborghini.
Channel Nine said Cullen had agreed to step down on Saturday while the network looked into the payement, reported the Sunday Herald Sun.
‘Nine is taking this matter extremely seriously,’ a spokesperson told the publication.
‘Appropriate action has been promptly taken, including arranging for the funds to be returned.
‘While we review the circumstances in which this occurred, Alex has agreed to stand down.’
