Jessica Rowe, host of Ten’s morning show Studio 10, has announced she is quitting her role live on air to focus on her family.
Rowe has been the co-host of Studio 10 since its launch in 2013, and is the wife of Nine news presenter Peter Overton.
Fellow hosts Natarsha Belling, Joe Hildebrand and Denise Drysdale were visibly upset as Rowe revealed her decision to leave this morning in front of a live TV audience.
“It’s been a very hard thing to do, but it’s because my family need me, she said.
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce to our lovely viewers that our beloved @JessRowe has decided to leave #Studio10. ? pic.twitter.com/qvYtJcJrmZ
— Studio 10 (@Studio10au) March 8, 2018
“As I said, it’s been difficult, but I want to be a more present mum for my girls… they need their mum, and I want to be there in the mornings for them, I want to take them to school, do canteen duty.
“It’s something that I need to do – it is as simple as that. Peter and I have spoken a lot about this over the past six months, and it’s weighed on me because this is a job that I love.
“This is the best job I’ve ever had on television – it is family, and it’s been a job that has allowed my to find my voice and my courage again, and I will never, ever forget that.
Rowe said Ten CEO Paul Anderson understood and was very supportive when she told him of her decision to leave earlier this week.
“The network [has] been nothing but supportive, and [has] said any time I’m welcome back, so that means a lot too,” she said.
“It’s the beginning of a new adventure. I will still be working, I still want to do my public speaking and my mental health advocacy.
“I’m a crap housewife, but I look forward to doing bits and pieces with that. But most importantly, I’m looking forward to being with my family and being present for them, and doing the best possible job that I can.”
Rowe’s exit comes after Studio 10 executive producer Rob McKnight was controversially sacked in November last year.
McKnight took to Twitter this morning after Rowe’s announcement to claim that Ten had being trying to fire her for over a year.
Sad to hear @JessRowe is leaving @Studio10au. @channelten have been planning to sack her for over a year. She blamed me, even though I was trying to save her job.
— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) March 8, 2018
