Former Seven News presenter Kendall Gilding makes debut on rival network after announcing shock exit last year

Popular TV personality and former Channel 7 newsreader Kendall Gilding has revealed what is behind her shock appearance on a rival show.

Kendall Gilding appearing in a live cross on Nine's Today Show on Tuesday morning. Photo: supplied

Popular TV personality Kendall Gilding has made a shock appearance on the Today show this morning, just months after announcing her split from Seven News.

Gilding, 33, read her last Seven News bulletin in December last year, but was this morning back behind the microphone, this time on rival network Nine’s Today show.

Appearing in a live cross from Brisbane in the early hours of the morning, Ms Gilding joined hosts Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo for a story about a teen crime spree in Toowoomba.

Queensland police are on the hunt for five knife-wielding teens after a crime spree across the South East. #9Newspic.twitter.com/ZL4EjQ0v94

— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) May 6, 2024

Despite the buzz around her appearance, Gilding confirmed she had not signed any permanent contracts with the network.

“I’m just doing a week of freelance work - filling in while their usual journalist takes some holidays,” she told the Courier-Mail.

“I’ve always loved brekky TV and it’s great to get back in front of the camera.”

Gilding was with Seven News for more than 12 years before quitting in December over speculation around contract negotiations

“I’ve quit with no back-up plan but I’m backing myself – this is a huge leap of faith,” she said in December.

Kendall Gilding has made a surprise appearance on Nine’s Today show. Photo: Richard Walker

“Live TV is what sets my heart on fire and I’d love to do more sports broadcasting and I’d also be open to doing radio.”

The mum of two – to Olive and Moses – said she chose not to renew her contract for a further two years after talking it over with her music teacher husband Timothy Morgan, 37.

Cairns-raised, Gilding was working as a reporter for Channel 7 on the Gold Coast when she was asked to relocate to Brisbane in 2015 and present the new Queensland-wide 4pm weekday news bulletin.

She has worked as a presenter for the Seven Network, held MC gigs and taken part in promotion events on the side.