A-list Confidential: Wally Lewis’ Channel 9 future secured until 2023

Amid rumours sparked by Peter Sterling’s departure and his own highly publicised marriage breakdown, we can reveal what the future holds for Wally Lewis and his contract with Channel 9.

In one of the biggest questions circulating Queensland media circles, Wally Lewis’ future with Channel 9 is sealed.

Rumours have been swirling this month that Lewis’ contract would not be renewed as part of a commentary box shake-up that has already claimed the scalp of Peter Sterling, who will quit at the end of the 2021 season to make room for a younger colleague.

Confidential understands speculation about the rugby league great’s future has also been a hot topic at rival networks on Mount Coot-Tha in recent months, coming off the back of his highly publicised marriage breakdown earlier this year.

Wally Lewis is under contract with Channel 9 until 2023. Picture: Annette Dew

But Lewis’ management rubbished claims about a contract negotiation, arguing his position isn’t up for discussion for at least another 12 months courtesy of a long-term deal sealed almost two years ago.

In late 2019, late celebrity agent John Fordham was in talks with Channel 9’s then sports boss Tom Malone to upgrade and extend the King’s contract with the network. He sent a message to Malone regarding Lewis’ contract the day before he died and Malone signed off on the new deal weeks later.

Confidential understands that upgraded contract secured Lewis’ position at Nine until the end of 2022, meaning he is not off contract until 2023.

So, even if Nine bosses are now considering a younger and more contemporary team, as media circle rumours suggested, Lewis isn’t in the hot seat.

DOSE OF REALITY

Chelsea Hackett was ruled out of continuing Australian Survivor after she was taken to hospital suffering dehydration and an infection that left her body “shutting down”.

The Gold Coast professional MMA fighter was checked over by the show’s doctor following Monday night’s tribal council, which took place on day 27, and subsequently sent to hospital in Cloncurry where she was so dehydrated staff were unable to conduct a blood test.

The show’s medical staff subsequently ruled her out of continuing during Tuesday night’s episode of the Channel 10 reality show.

“I was just worried. I wasn’t feeling well at all,” Hackett said. “They got me on an IV drip straight away.”

Chelsea Hackett on Survivor. Picture: Channel 10

Hackett was diagnosed with an inner ear infection while the symptoms were worsened by food deprivation and dehydration.

Australian Survivor rules state that once a player is away from camp for 24 hours they forfeit their position in the game.

Despite nurses’ advice to stay overnight, Hackett returned to camp after 20 hours but medical staff ruled her out of re-entering the game.

The 21-year-old said her MMA career was at the front of her mind.

“It was pretty hard because I’d made it so far and everyone wants to see how far they can go, but I also knew my body was telling me to stop and slowly shutting down and I needed to listen to it,” she said. “I’ve done 30 fights and I’ve cut weight for them but I’d never got to the point of being on an IV drip from dehydration, so that was a big wake up call. My future in MMA is big and I want it to be, so I had to put that first.”

Hackett, who lost 8kg during the 27 days of filming, said production staff kept in regular contact with her after filming and she was slowly returning to regular training.

“It’s been hard getting back into training. I feel like I haven’t had a 100 per cent training session yet. It’s definitely getting there.”

NETLFIX ON THE GC

Queensland beachgoers got a dose of movie making this week when Netflix movie True Spirit set up on a quiet stretch of a Gold Coast beach.

The movie, a biopic about Gold Coast teen sailor Jessica Watson, was filming at Main Beach, nearby Sheraton Mirage, on Thursday.

True Spirit filming at Main Beach on the Gold Coast on Thursday.

A host of surfers were spotted on set as well as actor Teagan Croft, who plays Watson.

It comes as Netflix begins production on their other film, a romantic comedy starring Adam Demos and Victoria Justice. Cameras will roll in the Gold Coast Hinterland this week on the film, which is set on a sheep station and follows Justice as an American executive working as a ranch hand.

MODEL RECRUIT

Queensland model Jett Kenny is again set to turn heads on the runway at Brisbane Fashion Festival this week.

Returning after a year’s hiatus, the festival will feature Kenny as one of the lead male models walking in each of the three shows at King George Square from Monday to Wednesday.

BFF, which features Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner as its ambassador, will also include curve and mature age models on the runway for the first time this week in a bid to promote body positivity and diversity.

Jett Kenny will star on the runway at Brisbne Fashion Festival. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Alongside local designer labels, Australian favourites will also feature on the runway.

Jets creative director Rachel Allen, who has recently taken over the iconic swimwear brand, said: “We are so thrilled to be showing at Brisbane Fashion Festival this year and to be sharing the collection with our loyal Queensland customer base.”

A line-up of Brisbane fashion influencers will pack King George Square for each of the shows this week with a VIP after-party to be held at Treasury Brisbane following the final runway on Wednesday.

JUST THE TICKET

A host of Queensland country music stars will join forces for the return of a popular race day.

Following a hiatus last year due to the global pandemic, Confidential can reveal the Country Music race day will take place at Doomben Racecourse on September 10 and 11 and will feature Troy Cassar-Daley as the headline act alongside Casey Barnes.

Troy Cassar-Daley has been announced as the headlining act at the upcoming Country Music race day at Doomben.

A number of local acts will support the pair including Hendra resident Brooke Schubert, Jase Lansky, Lily Grace Live, Kimberley Bowden and Dallas Line Dancers.

The Brisbane Racing Club said they were delighted to support the local country music industry following the continued cancellation of hallmark live events including the annual Gympie Muster.