‘I was a 7, now I’m a 10’: Liz Cantor’s shock career move

Veteran weather presenter Liz Cantor has made a major career move, leaving 7NEWS after nearly two decades to join a rival network along with a former colleague.

Veteran 7NEWS weather presenter, Liz Cantor has announced she has jumped ship to join Network 10, after nearly two decades at Channel 7.

Cantor is set to debut on 10 News First Queensland on Monday, September 2, the network’s newly appointed Queensland news anchor, Sharyn Ghidella.

“I was a seven, now I’m a ten,” Cantor quipped, embracing the bold move with characteristic enthusiasm.

Liz Cantor and Sharyn Ghidella will both start at rival network 10. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Cantor expressed her excitement about the new opportunity, saying, “I feel honoured to be part of the return of local news to Queensland. I’m really excited to take weather out into our community, involving more people and showcasing great places.”

“I truly believe in executive editor Erin Edward’s vision and the fast-paced, fun environment 10 is known for.”

Cantor’s move to Network 10 is part of a broader shake-up as the network brings its Queensland bulletin back home after airing it from Sydney since 2020.

Earlier this month, the network also announced that respected journalist Sharyn Ghidella would anchor the 10 News First Queensland bulletin, bringing a renewed focus on local news.

“I love that I’m here with Sharyn,” Cantor said.

“We started reading together in 2007, so we have a really sincere, genuine relationship. I really respect her as a news reporter, and I’m really happy to be here in support of her.”

Sharyn Ghidella. Photo: Network 10.

Cantor first captured the public’s attention when she won the reality TV show The Mole in 2005, catapulting her into the national spotlight.

Following her win, she quickly transitioned into television, joining Channel 7 later that year. Over the years, she became a staple of Queensland television, delivering weather reports and hosting popular lifestyle programs such as Creek to Coast and Weekender.

Liz Cantor when she was 22 and a contestant on the reality TV show, The Mole.

Liz Cantor had worked at Channel 7 for almost 20 years.

Reflecting on her time at 7NEWS, Cantor acknowledged the emotional weight of her decision to move to 10.

“Seven has been a part of my identity for 18 years, and I’m a fiercely loyal person. This was a big decision for me, I was never going to walk away from Seven easily, but I truly believe in the direction 10 is heading,” she said.

Liz Cantor will join Network 10 as the new weather presenter for 10 News First Queensland, debuting on September 2. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Cantor’s departure from the Seven Network is not a complete severance, however.

In an unprecedented move, she will continue her roles on the popular lifestyle programs Creek to Coast and Weekender, effectively working across both Network 10 and Seven — a rarity in the competitive world of television broadcasting.

“I’m remaining on both networks … Times are changing, and I believe in working together rather than against each other. I’m grateful for the opportunity to stay on with these shows while taking on this exciting new role with 10 News First Queensland,” Cantor added.

However, she did reveal that she had to relinquish her hosting duties for the national Lotto Draw.

“I will have to give up the lotto and Powerball, which means I can now buy a ticket,” she said jokingly.

Liz Cantor hosting the national Lotto Draw. Photo: Facebook.

Executive Editor of 10 News First Queensland, Erin Edwards, praised Cantor’s weather expertise, noting that her background as a surfer and weather enthusiast makes her an invaluable addition to the team.

“Liz knows the forecast is as important for families at the beach as it is for farmers in the bush. We are thrilled to share her decades of knowledge with our viewers,” Edwards said.