Mike Whitney retires from Sydney Weekender and Seven Network

Sydney Weekender host Mike Whitney is leaving Seven after 27 years with the network.

After 27 years at the network which made him a household name, Sydney Weekender host Mike Whitney is set to step away from the screen.

His final episode will air on Sunday, January 30 and will see Whitney joined by Matt Shirvington, who will take his gig, following the 62-year-old’s decision to resign.

“Twenty-seven years! To do anything for that long is a very long time,” Whitney said.

“I had the best hosting job in Australia. I got to travel everywhere in NSW, meet the most amazing people, and do the most amazing things. People pay to do the stuff that I got paid to do. I’m very grateful that I got the opportunity to work on this show.

“People ask me if I’m going to miss it. Sure, I am going to miss it. It feels a bit surreal. But I had an incredible cricket career as well and I had to retire from that. And who gets to retire twice from two wonderful careers?”

Former test cricketer Mike Whitney is leaving the Seven Network. Picture: John Appleyard

Former Olympian and 7 News sports presenter Shirvington said he was honoured to be given the role.

“Taking over from a TV legend like Mike Whitney, who’s graced our Sunday afternoons showing us around our beautiful state for more than two decades, is a huge responsibility. Mike leaves some very big shoes to fill. I feel honoured and excited to be given the chance.”

The move was announced at the end of the Seven news bulletin on Saturday.

Since retiring from professional cricket Whitney has hosted a number of successful television show’s including Who Dares Wins and Last Chance Learners.

He also worked as a reporter at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games for the Seven Network.

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