Latest news with #TVTonight
Daily Mail
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
60 Minutes star's future in question after 'strategic' reset of long-running Channel Nine news program
A 60 Minutes star's future is in question after only 18 months in the role. Veteran reporter Adam Hegarty, 37, is currently on extended leave from the long-running show Channel Nine news program - and it is unclear if he will ever return, according to The Australian. Seasoned journalist Christine Ahern has been filling in for Hegarty throughout his absence, as he works on an unrelated podcast. However, Ahern is unlikely to be Hegarty's permanent replacement. Nine is looking for a male reporter to balance the current team of Dimity Clancey, Tara Brown and Amelia Adams. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Hegarty joined 60 Minutes in January 2024. The much-admired reporter from 9News in Melbourne became one of two journalists to join the long-running current affairs show. Hegarty, who has been with the network since 2018, was part of Nine's 'strategic' reset of 60 Minutes in 2024, reports industry blog TV Tonight. He started his career as a cadet at News Corp. Prior to that, the journalist worked as a freelance reporter in France, the UK and China. While in Europe, he covered major stories including Brexit and London's notorious Grenfell Tower fire. He has also reported for Sky News, The Times and Channel Ten and worked as a crime writer for The Advertiser in Adelaide. It comes after 60 Minutes was shaken by some other recent departures. These include presenter Tom Steinfort, who has now settled into the role as co-newsreader at 9News in Melbourne. Meanwhile, another 60 Minutes veteran Sarah Abo, looks unlikely to return to the show. The presenter took up her co-hosting role on Nine's Today at the beginning of 2023 and looks to be very happy in the role.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Beloved neighbours star Ian Smith to make shock return to iconic Aussie soap just weeks after farewelling Ramsay Street: 'It's very special indeed'
Beloved Neigbours star Ian Smith is set to make a shock return to the iconic Aussie soap, just weeks after saying his final goodbye. Ian, 86, who played Harold Bishop on the long-running soap, stepped down from his stalwart role last year amid his terminal cancer battle. His final scenes as Harold, which aired in April, had fans across the globe in tears - with the affable character announcing he was moving to Queensland with a sentimental send off. Now it's been revealed that Harold will make a welcome, albeit brief, return to Ramsay Street in scenes that will air this week. Ian will be back in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough to help farewell another Neighbours veteran, Anne Charleston, 82. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Anne played Harold's wife Madge Bishop (nee Mitchell) from 1986 until 2001. She then returned for the 30th anniversary in 2015, and 'final' episode in 2022. The versatile actress returned to the soap again this year to play new character Agnes Adair. With Agnes' final scenes set to air this week, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison revealed that Harold would be there for the send-off. 'We did manage to film an additional moment that has no yet gone to air – viewers will see it in the coming weeks,' he told TV Tonight. 'It's a small moment but it's very special indeed.' News of Harold's return comes after Ian recently gave an update on his health following his cancer diagnosis. He revealed on Channel Seven's The Morning Show this week that he was responding well to his cancer treatment. 'I have got cancer. I know that because doctors tell me I have. But apart from that... No pain. I was supposed to die in March,' Ian began. 'I am having the easiest ride, seriously!' He then revealed the unusual side effect he was experiencing from the ongoing cancer treatment. 'I've possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says, "Look at your hair!",' he added. 'They are all jealous I've got so much hair. I went through the treatment, started to lose my hair and went totally bald. I then went onto the immunotherapy and got a head full of hair... not just hair, but curly hair!' In December, Smith was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, which doctors initially told him was 'non-fixable'. But after being put on a revolutionary treatment plan – which he cheekily described as being a 'guinea pig' for – he's defied expectations and is now hoping for 'a year, maybe two' of extra life. 'I want to go forever,' he said, beaming. 'I don't want to play Harold anymore, but I don't want to stop acting.' The veteran performer first stepped into Harold's shoes in 1987 and went on to become one of Neighbours' most iconic faces. He was known for his wholesome charm, slow-burning romances, and multiple disappearances - including being presumed dead after falling off a cliff in 1991 – only to return five years later with amnesia. Following his Neighbours farewell in April, heartbroken fans took to social media to share their sadness over Harold's departure. 'Harold... Ian Smith... the legend. Feels like losing a member of my household seeing you go. It's been a wonderful 40 years. I wish you much happiness and love,' one fan wrote. 'Harold's goodbye was perfect. It made me cry. The characters on Neighbours become like family,' a second added. 'Ohhhhh Harold!! What a treasure. An absolute pleasure over all these years watching you,' a third viewer chipped in.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Home and Away star Lynne McGranger reveals shock details of final storyline as she prepares to leave the soap after 33 years: 'It will hit home'
Lynne McGranger has opened up about her bittersweet exit from Home and Away. The actress, 72, is gearing up to leave the long-running soap after an impressive 33 years. Speaking to TV Tonight, Lynne revealed that when it came to her character Irene Roberts' final goodbye, she had the final word. Stopping short of divulging any potential spoilers, Lynne confided that her idea would 'hit home' for fans of the series. 'I had this idea, and they loved it,' Lynne admitted. 'They've embraced it and that's what we've gone with. I think it's very important, it's very relevant and I think it will hit home with a lot of people.' Lynne, who filmed her final scenes for the iconic soap last month, did spill some details on the ideal way she wanted Irene to make her exit from Summer Bay. She said that after informing producers and cast of her decision to leave the show, Lynne then put forward her idea for Irene's dramatic exit. 'Louise Bowes the chief writer, Lucy Addario [series producer] and Julie McGauran [executive producer], took me out to lunch because I had an idea about an exit storyline,' she said. She then revealed her first idea, which despite its obvious dramatic appeal, was shot down by the trio. 'I knew they wouldn't want me waving goodbye on the back of a bus. I suggested that I get hit by a bus outside the diner, but they went, "yeah, that's not gonna happen,"' Lynne said. Thinking on her feet Lynne offered a second, even more jaw-dropping exit strategy, which was also given the kibosh. 'Or, they think I'm dead and I pop up in my coffin at the funeral,' Lynne joked. 'Yeah, that's not gonna happen,' she joked. Lynne has been a Home and Away fan favourite for three decades playing the character of 'Aussie battler' Irene Roberts. She announced her departure from the show earlier this year. 'After almost 33 years in my dream role and working everyday with people who I love, respect and whom I now consider family, it's bittersweet to be closing the chapter on what has been the best and longest gig of my life' the veteran star said at the time. 'I am forever grateful to the best production crew in the world and to our genius writers – whose doors are always open – for everything they have done for Irene over the past 33-odd years' she continued. 'And I am so proud of the storyline which will see Irene out of the Bay. Above all, a massive, heartfelt thank you to the fans for your continued love and support.' The beloved soap star said she recently told the heartbreaking news to her cast mates on the Home and Away set. 'It means a lot that my friendship and Irene has been such an important part in the lives of people in and around Summer Bay both on screen and behind the scenes,' she said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. Elsewhere in the chat Lynne, who first appeared as Irene in January 1993, said that she will film her last scenes as the character in March. However, she told the publication she is keeping mum about how her character will exit Summer Bay, only adding it was a 'great' storytelling. 'I had this idea, and they loved it,' Lynne admitted. 'They've embraced it and that's what we've gone with. I think it's very important, it's very relevant and I think it will hit home with a lot of people.' 'I knew they wouldn't want me waving goodbye on the back of a bus. I suggested that I get hit by a bus outside the diner, but they went, "yeah, that's not gonna happen,"' Lynne said. Lynne is pictured with co-star Ada Nicodemou Commenting on her reasons for leaving the show Lynne said: 'It's kind of been in my head for a few years, where I thought, I've still got my health, my fitness, and I would like to branch out again and do some more theatre, maybe a bit of radio, a bit of stand up comedy. 'You either leave voluntarily or leave in a box by the time you're my age,' she joked. 'I'm not going to live forever, particularly if I keep doing 14-hour days. 'You get a bit tired, you need your sleep, if you have a bad night's sleep you will pay the price the next day. My body isn't as resilient as it once was.' During her time on the show, Lynne worked with future Hollywood superstars Margot Robbie and Chris Hemsworth.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Neighbours star Stefan Dennis hits out at Amazon for soap's cancellation
Stefan Denis isn't in the mood to celebrate Neighbours turning 40 following the news that the Australian soap is to be axed for the second time in less than two years. The actor, 66, who has played the character of Paul Robinson on the series for four decades, says that the Neighbours special birthday episode now means 'nothing'. "It's really made the 40th anniversary a bit wishy-washy now," Dennis told TV Tonight as he didn't hold back in sharing his truth thoughts on the cancellation. "It's a bit of a shame, because it's an incredible accolade for an Australian show to say they've been going for 40 years other than other than news and current affairs. "But unfortunately, that's now being completely and utterly overshadowed by the fact that the show is now on its way out. So the 40th anniversary means nothing now. It's a bit of a shame." Neighbours was previously dropped by Channel 5 in 2022, but revived by Amazon for its streaming platforms just four months after a star-studded farewell episode watched by millions. Last month Amazon gave no reason for its decision as it confirmed the show will finish at the end of 2025 - 40 years and more than 9,000 episodes after its television debut. Dennis - who was part of the original Neighbours cast when it debuted in 1985, left the show in 1992, but returned in 2004 - lashed out at Amazon for deciding to pull the plug despite it being a ratings winner. He told the publication: 'Our show is about to go, so I'm not afraid to say anything anymore. I'm going to start speaking up.' 'Amazon, don't own it. Amazon just buy it to show it... but they not producing the show and that's where people get confused. 'Free to Air television is on the way out... As soon as the Free to Air television stations start realising that, and stop trying to drag their heels, like one particular one I won't mention, they're just sticking their head in the sand.'
