Sarah Greenhalgh on maternity leave from Seven News after three months as 6pm anchor

New Seven News Brisbane anchor Sarah Greenhalgh is stepping away from the 6pm bulletin after just three months in the role – and the 34-year-old mum-to-be says she is not sure when she’ll be back.

Sarah Greenhalgh is going on maternity leave. Picture: Liam Kidston

Sarah Greenhalgh, who made headlines when she replaced sacked 7News Brisbane anchor Sharyn Ghidella, is now stepping away from the 6pm desk — just three months after landing the coveted role.

The 34-year-old newsreader signed off for the final time on Friday as she prepares to welcome her first child with husband Billy Bentley.

While her departure is temporary, she admitted she had no fixed date of return and that leaving so soon was “a little bit bittersweet”.

“I have really enjoyed it. The team, myself, Max (Futcher), Steve (Titmus) and Tony (Auden, we’re really loving being together,” she said.

“It’s a little bittersweet given that this is the start of a fresh chapter. But I will be back.”

The soon-to-be first-time mum said she has no fixed return date, given full flexibility by Seven’s new news director Erin Edwards.

“There’s no pressure to rush back. I will take a few months off, and then we will all collaborate and see what suits everyone best, first and foremost, bub,” she said.

Greenhalgh said her break so soon after starting was “bittersweet”. Picture: Liam Kidston

Edwards, who dramatically quit her role as executive editor at 10 News after just 15 months, returned to 7News Brisbane this week as the news director.

Greenhalgh, who is 38 weeks pregnant, joked that her obstetrician warned her to “exit stage left” if contractions kick in during her final bulletin.

“My obstetrician did joke the other day that if I suddenly exited stage left or right off the Channel 7 news set, she should take that as her cue to get to the hospital,” she said.

And it seems Baby Greenhalgh-Bentley is already showing a flair for drama.

“The time of the day the baby moves the most is between 6 and 7pm. There have been a few occasions where I’ve had a big thump two seconds before going on to read something,” she said.

“I also think the baby has become very used to Uncle Max’s voice, so we’ll have to tune in religiously at six o’clock so Bub doesn’t miss him.”

The couple has chosen to keep their baby’s gender a surprise, decorating the nursery in neutral tones.

“My sister has jokingly been referring to it as ‘Baby Beige’.”

While Greenhalgh is stepping back, her role will be shared between Samantha Heathwood and Katrina Blowers in her absence.

“It’s reassuring knowing the role is in good hands,” she said.