‘WHY I HAD TO LEAVE!’
The real reason presenter Mike Whitney lost his prize gig on Sydney Weekender
With Seven slashing costs, veteran TV star Mike Whitney and the six-figure salary he was paid to host the much-loved travel show came under intense scrutiny last year – before the two decided to part ways.
“Mike was on an old contract from the glory days of free-toair TV and was paid millions over the years,” explains one Seven insider. “He was loved by absolutely everyone, but it became harder and harder to justify his big salary.”
Former cricket star Mike, 62, who was one of the longestserving hosts on Australian TV after presenting Sydney Weekender for 27 years, left his show on a high two weeks ago after secretly agreeing to step down last year. “I had the best hosting job in Australia,” he says.
Mike was rumoured to be on a salary of at least $170,000 to host the show, which was considered one of TV’S plum roles given that he was wined and dined at amazing locations around NSW without being burdened by a huge workload.
Seven are replacing Mike – who became a massive TV star hosting Who Dares Wins with Tania Zaetta in the 1990s – with former Olympian and sports presenter Matt Shirvington, 43.
“It’s really just a budget thing,” reveals our source. “Matt is on a network contract, so his salary won’t affect the very small Sydney Weekender budget. The show has an incredibly loyal following but really doesn’t generate a lot of income.”
In 2019 Seven tried to axe Sydney Weekender along with SA Weekender and Queensland Weekender, but did a backflip after a backlash from fans.
Father-of-three Mike, who recently told Woman’s Day that he was looking forward to becoming a grandad, says retirement feels “a bit surreal” after notching up not one but two “wonderful” careers.