9News anchor Andrew Lofthouse retires amid health concerns

9 News Qld presenter Melissa Downes has paid an emotional tribute to a “one of a kind” Andrew Lofthouse who announced his retirement from the network due to health reasons.

Andrew Lofthouse at the Channel 9 Telethon. Pics Tara Croser.

Veteran journalist and news presenter Andrew Lofthouse has announced his retirement from 9News Queensland after 17 years with the network, citing health reasons.

For the past 16 years, he has been a familiar presence on Queensland television screens, co-anchoring the news alongside Melissa Downes.

Reflecting on his career, Lofthouse expressed gratitude for his time with Nine and his loyal audience.

“I’ve been in the business a long time. I’ve done a heck of a lot with Nine,” he said in a statement.

“It’s been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the business.

“Our incredible viewers make it all worthwhile. 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. Thanks for watching!”

Melissa Downes has choked back tears with am emotional tribute to retiring colleague Andrew Lofthouse. Picture: 9 News Queensland

Ms Downes, who shared the newsdesk with Lofthouse for more than a decade, was in tears on Monday night as she paid tribute to her college.

Ms Downes had to apologise to viewers for breaking down on more than one occasion.

“The chair beside me tonight is empty because our dear friend and colleague Andrew Lofthouse is retiring,” Ms Downes said.

“I thought I would at least get it through the intro, one of the true gentlemen of television Lofty broke the news today revealing after a lot of thought he is signing off, calling time on an extraordinary career. Covering Queensland’s biggest moments.

“He is one of a kind. Lofty, on behalf of all your friends here at 9 and all the Queenslanders who invited you into their homes thank you.

“Congratulations, enjoy retirement and more time with your beautiful family and life on the other side of the screen.”

Andrew Lofthouse and Melissa Downes. Picture: David Clark

In a prerecorded message to viewers Mr Lofthouse said it has been an “amazing privilege and a wonderful experience.”

“I’ve been in the business a long time and I have done a heck of a lot with Nine, it has been an amazing privilege and a wonderful experience with the best in the businesses and of course you our incredible viewers who make it all worthwhile,” Mr Lofthouse said.

Mr Lofthouse addressed viewers and said now is the time for him to “pull back” as he is dealing with a health issue.

“I’m currently dealing with a bit of a health issue so now is a good time for me to pull back, slow down a little after this dream career,” Mr Lofthouse said.

“Thank you for putting your faith in me and in us.”

Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends, with 9News Queensland News Director Brendan Hockings praising Lofthouse’s humility and dedication to journalism.

“Lofty is a rare gem and an exceptional talent,” Hockings said.

“He is the journo who offers to carry the tripod, the colleague who makes you a cuppa, the news anchor who doesn’t see himself as any more than part of the team.

“The example he has set as a newsman is the gold standard.”

Ms Downes described him as a passionate journalist and a dear friend.

Jonathan Upton, Melissa Downes and Andrew Lofthouse. Picture: Annette Dew

“Andrew Lofthouse is one of the true gentlemen of the TV news business. Lofty is so much more than just a colleague, he’s one of my closest friends, and I’m incredibly grateful for the 16 years we shared on the 9News desk,” she said.

Sharyn Ghidella, who was once locked in a ratings battle with Lofthouse when she was at Channel 7 gave a touching tribute.

“An outstanding newsreader and always a delight to catch up with on the road,” she said.

“Your retirement is a big loss to television news in Queensland, Lofty. You will be missed.”

Channel 9 staff were informed of Lofthouse’s decision on Monday, with management confirming he would not return due to health concerns.

His final farewell will be acknowledged during Monday night’s 6pm bulletin.

Downes will continue as the face of 9News Queensland, with a new co-presenter yet to be announced.

Speculation about Lofthouse’s future had been circulating since the 62-year-old was last seen delivering the news on November 1.

His prolonged absence from the nightly bulletin sparked industry chatter and viewer questions.

Since then, his co-anchor Melissa Downes has been presenting solo.