Tom Williams announces he’s leaving Seven to join property industry

Popular television presenter Tom Williams is leaving Channel 7 to return to his building and construction roots, with the popular chippie joining a project marketing company.

Popular television presenter Tom Williams is leaving Channel 7 to return to his building and construction roots.

The Daily Telegraph can exclusively reveal Williams’ is departing the network to join project marketing company Boutique Estates International as a partner.

Williams, 48, has been a permanent fixture on Australian screens for more than 15 years, most recently hosting The Daily Edition alongside Sally Obermeder.

Williams’ final day on the program will on December 13.

Tom Williams (left to right), Sarah Cumming and Sally Obermeder on The Daily Edition. Picture: Channel 7

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“It’s been wonderful to be part of The Daily Edition from day one, it’s rare that you get to be a part of something in TV that lasts for five years,” Williams said.

“The family and I are super excited about the new opportunities coming up, but I’m also looking forward to more television opportunities as well.”

A builder by trade, Williams’ media career kickstarted with a regular segment on Merrick and Rosso’s Triple J radio show, where callers would ring in and ask “Tom the Chippie” questions.

Williams, with dancer Kym Johnson, was a hugely popular contestant on Dancing With The Stars in 2005.

From there, Williams was cast as the carpenter on Seven’s Room For Improvement series, and has since appeared on shows including The Weakest Link, The Mole — The Amazing Game, The Great Outdoors and Dancing With The Stars.

In response to his departure, a Seven spokesperson said: “Tom has a made a decision to take his career in a new direction and he goes with our love and support, and we congratulate him on his appointment and we will always regard him as a part of our family.”

Married to highly sought-after fashion designer Rachel Gilbert, the pair have two young daughters Storm, 4, and Sloane, 3.

Williams will join Boutique Estates International alongside directors Juliet Anderson and Vanessa Gilbert, who is also his sister-in-law.

In a joint statement, Anderson and Gilbert said: “Tom has been in building for decades and we think he will be an amazing asset to our company. Tom was at the helm of a very successful launch we had in Queensland earlier this week and we are so excited for him to join the real estate world.”