The Scoop: Inside the world of Queensland’s movers and shakers

Following 4BC’s revelation Peter Fegan will take over as breakfast show host, attention has now turned to afternoon host Sofie Formica. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP

Sofie Formica is a Queensland radio and TV veteran.

Following 4BC’s revelation Peter Fegan will take over as breakfast show host – replacing Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine – attention has now turned to the future of afternoon host Sofie Formica.

The seasoned radio presenter was notably absent from an internal email sent to staff on Thursday, which outlined the station’s programming shake-up, including Gary Hardgrave’s continuation in the Drive slot, filling the position vacated by Peter Gleeson.

Formica, who has long been a staple of 4BC’s afternoon line-up, has hinted at uncertainty regarding her future in recent cryptic social media posts.

Now Insiders tell told Scoop that Formica is in talks with at least two rival stations, with one reportedly offering her a significant deal.

MOLLIE’S POST-OLYMPIC SURPRISE

After an extraordinary haul at the 2024 Paris Olympics where she took home three gold, one silver and a bronze, Queensland swimming sensation Mollie O’Callaghan is now setting her sights on life beyond the pool — starting with plans to buy her first apartment.

The 20-year-old, one of the youngest stars of the Australian swim team, revealed that she’s eager to move closer to her training base in Brisbane.

Mollie O'Callaghan talks goals post Olympics. Picture: Instagram.

“One of my goals for the past 3 years has been to buy an apartment near the pool,” O’Callaghan shared during a Q&A on Instagram.

“I currently live over 30 minutes away from my club, and I really want to move closer,”

The swimmer has been eyeing this goal since she was 17, making it a priority as she settles back into life post-Olympics.

While she’s taking it easier in 2025, O’Callaghan is more determined than ever to hone her skills, particularly in the 100 and 200 freestyle events.

“I’d love to give the 50 and 100 back a crack too,” she said, hinting at potential new challenges in the pool.

‘CHAOS BREWING’

7News Queensland has reportedly made a bold attempt to poach 10 News First Queensland boss Erin Edwards, sparking rumours of a major shake-up at the network’s top ranks.

Edwards, who dramatically left 7News after a 23-year stint to join 10 News First as their executive editor in 2023, has been credited with revitalising Network 10s Queensland bulletin and bringing it back to Brisbane after years of being broadcast from Sydney.

She was also instrumental in luring former 7News anchor Sharyn Ghidella to 10 News First after her shock axing earlier this year.

Now, the Seven Network is reportedly eyeing an Edwards return to fill the station’s news director role, after Michael Coombes confirmed his official last day in the role would be October 31.

Erin Edwards is believed to be uninterested in the role at 7.

Despite Seven’s interest in wooing Edwards back, sources have told The Scoop that it’s unlikely Edwards would be willing to leave her role at 10 to return to the chaos brewing within 7News, with one insider likening the move to jumping from a “stable ship to join the Titanic.”

But Edwards isn’t the only name in the mix.

Former UK correspondent and 7NEWS Spotlight reporter Sarah Greenhalgh was spotted roaming the corridors at Seven’s Mount Coot-Tha studios this week, igniting rumours that she’s also being considered for the top job.

Channel 7 reporter Sarah Greenhalgh.

Greenhalgh’s return to Australia in 2023 following her UK stint and her high-profile work on 7NEWS Spotlight have positioned her as a strong contender for the news director role, with some insiders speculating she could be the unexpected frontrunner.

Meanwhile, Michael Usher, host of 7NEWS Spotlight, has also been seen in the Queensland newsroom, adding to the mounting speculation of a leadership shake-up.

GIFTS GALORE

The annual parliamentary gifts register forcing ministers to declare their charity trinkets has been released and the most expensive item went to the minister we least expected.

The gift registry of former premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reads like it could have been curated from a fancy department store, with gifts ranging from a white china tea set, to an elegant Ziv grey necklace and a homebodii gift hamper.

In stark contrast, Transport Minister Bart Mellish received an N Scale model of an Hitachi train. Not to knock train models, but this is either a collector’s dream or the world’s most elaborate paperweight.

And nothing says “I value our partnership” quite like a gift of alcohol.

Political staffer Ben Freeman received a $200 bottle of Kavalan Solist single malt whisky, while Mick de Brenni got a Blend Your Own Rum Experience.

Bart Mellish. Pic: Lyndon Mechielsen

Meanwhile, Water Minister Glenn Butcher received an eclectic combo of a bottle of rum, a bottle of gin, two hats, and a badge – or what we like to call, the ministerial party kit.

Several ministers ensured they received boxing gloves signed by Jeff Horn when he came to town and let’s not forget Sport Minister Michael Healy’s treasure trove of Brisbane Bullets and Lions gear.

The most expensive gift ironically went to self-proclaimed penny pincher Treasurer Cameron Dick who scored a $4000 Warrior Without a Weapon print by Naomi Hobson. According to the registrar, its now proudly on display.

Speaking of famous prints, who knew Leeanne Enoch was such a huge Bluey fan? The Arts Minister got to take a Bluey picture home valued at an impressive $175.

CAM’S SHOCK AFL MOVE

He’s one of Australia’s greatest NRL players but Cameron Smith has not only been frequenting an AFL ground but – shock, horror – quaffing from an Aussie Rules premiership cup.

Footage has emerged of the former Melbourne Storm, Maroons and Kangaroos captain sipping from the trophy at the Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions AFL Club on the southern Gold Coast recently.

SUNDAY SCOOP: NRL legend Cameron Smith sips from his daughter's AFL premiership cup at the Palm Beach-Currumbin Lions clubhouse. Photo: Supplied.

The trophy was won by Smith’s youngest daughter Matilda and her teammates from the PBC girls’ U13s side.

To the chants of “skol, skol, skol” from fellow parents, Smith celebrated the grand final victory in the style he no doubt celebrated umpteen NRL premierships, State of Origin series wins and Test triumphs during his decorated footy career.

The NRL’s most-capped player now lives on the Gold Coast with his family and was coaching the Currumbin Eagles U15s rugby league side, in which his son Jasper played.

AFL legend Jonathan Brown’s teenage daughter Olivia also plays for the PBC Lions.

TIKTOK STAR SHINES

In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, Queensland TikTok sensation Nathan Lust has captured the attention of fans in the first trailer for the Australian version of The Office.

The new series, set to premiere on Prime Video on October 18, marks the 13th iteration of the globally successful franchise, with Aussie comedian Felicity Ward taking on the iconic middle-manager role made famous by Ricky Gervais and Steve Carell.

Nathan Lust on 'The Office'. Picture: Instagram.

But it wasn’t Ward or any of the show’s established stars that set social media buzzing. Instead, the spotlight shifted to Lust, who makes a split-second cameo in the trailer, playing a delivery boy for a fictional Mexican restaurant – Lopez Lopez – sporting a baseball cap with the eatery’s logo.

Though his screen time lasts barely a second, eagle-eyed viewers were quick to spot the influencer, with fans excited to see how he might bring his unique brand of humour to the Australian version of The Office.

Lust, who boasts a staggering 5.7 million followers on TikTok, is known for his viral comedy skits and dance videos. His rise to fame began in 2019, when he started posting quirky videos of himself dancing in his living room.