TV personality Kendall Gilding says she’s not bitter about quitting Seven News

Popular TV personality Kendall Gilding has spoken exclusively about her shock decision to quit Seven News, revealing why she is not bitter.

Kendall Gilding says she’s not bitter about quitting Seven News. Picture: Richard Walker

Popular TV personality Kendall Gilding is “not bitter” about quitting Seven News but says she is taking a huge leap of faith because she knows her worth.

Speaking exclusively to the Sunday Mail, Ms Gilding said although she had no job lined up after reading her last bulletin on Friday, she was excited about the next “biggest 20 years” of her working life.

“I am a hard worker, I have a lot to give and I want to work somewhere I feel valued,” she said.

“At the end of the day, I know my worth and I’m choosing not to settle.

“I am not bitter, I actually feel well within my soul. I am at peace with my decision.”

Ms Gilding, 33, declined to be drawn on the specifics of her contract negotiations.

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

Kendall Gilding says she’s excited about the next “biggest 20 years” of her working life. Picture: Richard Walker

One of the network’s most recognisable faces, Ms Gilding said she would love to stay in broadcasting.

“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,” she said.

The mum of two – to Olive, 4, and Moses, 16 months – 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.

Kendall Gilding at home with husband Tim Morgan and one-week-old Moses. Picture: Tara Croser.

“He has backed me the whole way through this, no matter how scary, and gave me the confidence to make wise choices,” she said.

“Tim’s a great sounding board because he is so removed from the media.”

Cairns-raised Ms 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 is regarded as a champion flag-bearer for the network, doing lots of MC gigs and promotional events.

Kendall Gilding at Eagle Farm Racecouse. Picture: Jared Vethaak.

Last week Michael Coombes, appointed director of news at Seven News Brisbane in June this year, sent an internal message to staff, which said Ms Gilding had “done a fantastic job anchoring a critical program for us”.

“However, Kendall has decided now is the time for her to focus on her young family and explore other opportunities,” Mr Coombes said.

Ms Gilding told the Sunday Mail she had no plans to be a stay-at-home mum or have any more children.

“I am entering the biggest season of my career and can’t wait to see what that looks like,” she said.