Rising Sky News star Freya Leach has announced that she is leaving the channel, four months after her talk show was axed.
Appearing on The Late Debate on Thursday, Freya revealed that she was moving on to new opportunities.
‘A little bit of personal news from me this evening. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to finish up on The Late Debate,’ she said on air.
‘It’s been so much fun doing this show with you four nights a week over the past year, and I’ll definitely miss it.’
Freya continued: ‘But as new doors have opened recently, I feel it’s time for me to explore those opportunities. But you’ll still have me for a while, another couple of weeks.’
The commentator rounded out her announcement by thanking Sky viewers for their patronage.
Rising Sky News star Freya Leach has announced that she is leaving the channel, four months after her talk show was axed
‘A little bit of personal news from me this evening. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to finish up on The Late Debate,’ she said on air
‘I just wanted to say thank you so much to all the viewers at home – you guys are what make this job so special. And thank you so much for all the company you’ve given us,’ she said.
Host Caleb Bond joked that there were no pastures greener than those at The Late Debate.
‘How can you say there was a better job than working with us?’ Caleb joked.
‘It’s sad to see you go, but I’m sure you will excel at whatever you try your hand at.’
Panellist Liz Storer was also full of praise for Freya.
‘I’ve loved working with you in the short time that I’ve been coming in as a fill–in but no doubt you’ve got a wonderful future ahead of you,’ she said.
Freya shared a clip of the announcement to Instagram and it was met with a flurry of well wishes from colleagues and friends.
Fellow Sky News star James Macpherson chimed in with: ‘Have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Freya. You’ll be missed! But excited to see what happens next for you and Cooper [Gannon, her husband].’
Freya’s departure comes after her debate show Freya Fires Up was scuttled back in September. The show lasted just six weeks – dogged by controversy after a guest made inflammatory anti–Muslim remarks on September 21
Another follower added: ‘You have been incredible on Sky, and you will continue to excel in whatever you put your mind to! You will be missed.’
A third summed up the sentiment of many with: ‘Oh Freya – Sad to hear this! Best wishes for your future! No doubt we will be cheering you on soon elsewhere!’
Freya’s departure comes after her debate show Freya Fires Up was scuttled back in September.
The show lasted just six weeks – dogged by controversy after a guest made inflammatory anti-Muslim remarks on September 21.
Following an internal review into the show’s ‘editorial processes’, Sky News initially downgraded Freya Fires Up from live to a pre-recorded format.
However, the network eventually took it a step further, scrapping the program altogether.
‘We have undertaken a thorough internal review, implemented its recommendations, and taken appropriate action with everyone involved in this incident,’ a Sky News Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail at the time.
‘A decision has been made to discontinue the program. Freya Leach will remain as co–host of The Late Debate.’
Freya has long been seen as a rising star at Sky News, with senior figures reportedly viewing her as a network ‘golden girl’ with a bright future.
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