Australia’s biggest celebrity resignations and step downs of 2022
From the exodus of presenters on The Project to sporting and business identities —and even bikies — there was a raft of high-profile people who stepped down from their roles this year.
Entertainment
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It was the year of the ‘great resignation’ for many workers nationwide — and celebrities and well-known identities were not exempt.
While former UK prime minster Liz Truss takes the cake for the shortest time in a role — she lasted just 44 days in office — Australia had its fair share of high-profile people leaving their jobs willingly or otherwise.
From the radio and entertainment industry, to sport and business, here’s a look at the people who stepped away from their jobs in 2022.
TELEVISION
Tracy Grimshaw - A Current Affair
After 17 years behind the desk at the news program, Tracy Grimshaw made the shock announcement she was stepping down.
Grimshaw, 62, told her audiences in September she was not being pushed out but was tired so decided to retire from her longstanding role.
“I want you to know it’s been my decision alone and I’m not being shoved out the door by the boys club because I’m too old,” she told her viewers.
“I’m not too old, I’m just a bit tired. And for the record both the boys and the girls have asked me to stay.”
She signed off from ACA in late November but her retirement was marred when a video circulated showing her farewelling her Nine colleagues only to snub her then-rumoured replacement Ally Langdon when she reached over to hug Grimshaw.
Then after months of speculation, the Today co-host was officially named as Grimshaw’s replacement.
Ally Langdon - Today
After working with Nine for many years in roles including being the Weekend Today co-host and a reporter for 60 Minutes, Ally Langdon joined the daily morning show with co-host Karl Stefanovic when he was brought back from exile in January 2020.
This came after a number of hosts failed to improve the ratings to compete with the Seven Network’s Sunrise program.
In late November, Langdon confirmed she was taking on TV veteran Grimshaw’s job, which comes with a hefty pay cut.
Langdon’s last day at Today was Friday, December 2 and she will begin her new role at ACA on January 30, 2023.
Carrie Bickmore - The Project
After 13 years on the panel of The Project, Bickmore revealed live on TV in October that she was leaving her “second home” at the end of 2022.
Bickmore was one of the original hosts of the news panel-style program.
“It’s been the hardest decision of my professional life but it’s time for a new challenge and my next chapter,” she said at the time.
“I am going to miss my best mates on the desk, the job itself which is so incredibly fulfilling and our wonderful viewers so much.”
Although she didn’t officially reveal what her next professional step is, Bickmore said: “I want to find out who I am without this show.’’
Lisa Wilkinson - The Sunday Project
After sensationally leaving Nine in 2017 after co-hosting Today with Karl Stefanovic for 10 years, Lisa Wilkinson moved to The Sunday Project.
She worked on a number of big stories including interviews with Serena Williams, David Beckham and former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins.
About six weeks after Bickmore quit, Wilkinson announced she was moving on from The Sunday Project.
“The last six months have not been easy and the relentless, targeted toxicity by some sections of the media has taken a toll, not just on me but on people I love,” she told viewers.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am not above criticism, far from it, I am human and I don’t always get it right, none of us do, but by god I have tried.”
Peter Helliar - The Project
The comedian and The Project panellist joined the exodus from the Channel 10 news and current affairs program.
Shortly after Carrie Bickmore and Lisa Wilkinson announced they were moving on, Peter Helliar, who has been a regular co-host since 2014, confirmed he would also be leaving.
“These things come in threes and it’s time for me to say goodbye, I will be leaving The Project soon,” Helliar said on-air.
His last appearance was set for December 7.
Sarah Harris - Studio 10
The experienced journalist and TV host left Studio 10 to take on Carrie Bickmore’s role as a panellist on The Project next year.
“This is one of the biggest and best jobs in TV. How could I say no?” Sarah Harris said when she was confirmed as the new co-host.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining one of Australia’s most iconic and agenda driving shows.
“The Project does news like no other program in Australia and it’s exactly the kind of fun and fearless TV I love to make.”
She will join the prime-time program in 2023.
Cameron Williams - Nine Network
The Sydney sports presenter resigned from Channel 9 in March after two decades with the network including his time at the Today morning show and the 6pm news.
“Cameron Williams has resigned from his role with Nine as on-air sports presenter,” the TV station’s news director Darren Wick said in a statement at the time.
“Cam is leaving us to focus on his health and then to pursue other opportunities that we look forward to hearing more about.”
In November, Williams was charged with assaulting his wife but has pleaded not guilty. His matter will return to the courts in 2023.
Harley Bonner - Home And Away
Actor Harley Bonner announced he was leaving the popular soapie in January 2022 after Sam Frost also left the Channel 7 show in 2021.
It is understood it was due to issues about the Covid-19 vaccination status.
“Channel 7 can confirm Harley will not return to Home And Away when filming resumes in the coming weeks,” the spokeswoman said at the time.
“Harley leaves with our best wishes and sincere thanks for his work on the show.”
His character Logan Bennett was still on TV screens for weeks after as the soap films weeks and sometimes months in advance.
RADIO
Chrissie Swan, Sam Pang and Jonathan Brown - Nova
Shockwaves went through the radio industry when the three hosts of the popular Melbourne radio show quit after seven years.
The trio announced in October they would not return to the air in 2023.
“We have relied on each other in this studio and it’s a good idea to put a bow on what has been this entire experience for all of us and bow out gracefully,” Swan said.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved professionally and personally since we first met in 2015 — especially the last few years as we all kept each other afloat during the pandemic.”
Their last show was on December 2 and Adelaide radio duo Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton will be taking over the breakfast slot in 2023, along with their long-time producer Belle Jackson.
Swan will stay with Nova to host her own national afternoon radio program which is set to launch in January.
Jackie O - KIIS FM
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Kyle Sandilands have been an on-air duo for more than 20 years. They famously moved on from 2Day FM to the breakfast show on KIIS FM, consistently taking out the coveted number one spots in ratings.
But Jackie O shocked listeners in November when she announced she would be stepping away from her role temporarily for health reasons.
“I’ve been not very well ever since I’ve had Covid … I’ve been struggling with this fatigue,” she announced live on-air.
“I’ve been to the doctor several times and he said … because I’ve been pushing myself everyday … after the show all I’m doing is just sleeping and I’m not getting any better.”
She did not say when she would return but confirmed she would be back after taking some much-needed time off.
Sandilands continued the show with Brittany Hockley, who starred in a past The Bachelor series.
Kate Ritchie - Nova
The popular former Home And Away actress and radio host made the decision to take a break from the afternoon Sydney radio show.
She announced her decision in October saying it’s been a hectic and stressful year for her.
“This past year has been incredibly hectic and full on for both me and my family,” Ritchie told listeners.
“I have had much change and increased stress in my life, like many of you, in a short space of time. And it has taken its toll.”
Ritchie took on a TV judging role for Australia’s Got Talent this year and was also suspended from driving for three months after a low-range drink driving incident in August.
In December she released a social post talking about her “unhealthy reliance on alcohol”.
“The last year has been incredibly emotionally challenging, as well as a relentless schedule, stress, and a lack of sleep. I cam to realise that this had led to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol,” Ritchie wrote.
“So I decided to use this time to do something positive by getting the help I need from professionals who specialise in this area. As everyone would understand, this is a very big step for me to take. I want to sincerely thank everybody who is supporting me.”
The Kate, Tim and Joel Show — with co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey — will return in 2023 after singer Ricki-Lee Coulter filled in for Ritchie for the rest of the year.
Jim Wilson - 2GB Sydney and 4BC QLD
The former sports presenter turned radio host quit from the AM station’s Drive program after two years.
Wilson, who will pursue other opportunities at Nine, said ratings did not factor into his decision. He never reached the number one spot for the afternoons but his ratings went as high as a 9.2 per cent share.
“By the way, this decision to leave was actually made late last week, it had nothing to do with yesterday’s survey and that is the honest truth and I am sorry that we weren’t able to have some more fun,” Wilson said when he made the announcement on-air in early November.
His final show was on November 11.
Chris O’Keefe will replace him in 2023.
BIKIES
Comanchero Tarek Zahed
Tarek Zahed was forced to step down from his role as national sergeant-at-arms of the outlaw motorcycle club when he was shot 10 times outside an Auburn gym in May. His brother Omar was killed in the shooting.
Zahed managed to recover and was seen publicly about three months later when the new Comanchero national president Allan Meehan posted a picture of them together on social media.
“Welcome back Tarek ‘hard2kill’ Zahed,” Meehan captioned the photo in August.
But not long after that, Zahed was arrested and charged over the 2014 gangland killing of Youssef Assoum when he came to Sydney from Melbourne to attend a wedding.
He moved to Melbourne to break free of the control order NSW Police had him under, which restricted him from associating with other OMCG members.
Zahed is on remand awaiting court proceedings.
Comanchero Mick Murray
The Comanchero national president, based in Victoria, lost his position in the club after he was arrested in April and charged with murder over the alleged execution of underworld figure Mitat Rasimi.
Murray has been in custody on remand since then and the matter is currently before the courts. The gang’s senior leadership met in Melbourne in June where they appointed Allan Meehan as the new president.
MAGAZINES
Fiona Connolly - Are Media
After 13 years at Are Media — at magazines including Woman’s Day, New Idea, TV Week, Who and That’s Life — Fiona Connolly stepped down from her group publisher role.
Connolly joined ACP in 2009 as the youngest ever editor of Woman’s Day and rose quickly through the ranks to became editor-in-chief, editorial director and lastly group publisher during her successful career.
“I have decided to step away from my role at Are Media to pursue my next adventure,” Connolly wrote in an internal email to staff.
“I’m incredibly proud of all I’ve achieved … but I’m now ready to explore the opportunities of a rapidly developing media landscape here and internationally.”
SPORT
Andrew Thorburn - Essendon CEO
In October, the AFL community was rocked when Essendon’s CEO Andrew Thorburn quit after just one day due to differences between his faith and the Bombers’ values.
Revelations in the Herald Sun that Thorburn was also chairman of a church organisation with controversial views on abortion and homosexuality made his position untenable.
Essendon president David Barham conceded Thorburn couldn’t serve both roles after a sermon circulated from the church likening abortion to concentration camps.
Leon Cameron - GWS Giants AFL coach
After coaching the GWS Giants for nine years, Leon Cameron stepped down from the role saying it was a mutual decision between him and the club in May.
“We have open honest conversations so I said I think the time is right to have a bit of breathing space for the club to look for its next coach,” Cameron said at the time.
“It’s a tough job and it can wear you down and people will speculate, but I am proud to say it’s a joint decision between the coach and club.”
Paul Gallen - Boxing
Paul Gallen retired from professional boxing after defeating Justin Hodges by unanimous decision in late November.
This marked the end of the former rugby league player’s 18-fight career where he said his one regret was never fighting Sonny Bill Williams.
“We’ve never had much beef along the way, I’ve always just said he’s scared to fight me,” Gallen told reporters after his final fight.
Aaron Finch - Cricket
Australian World Cup hero Aaron Finch retired from one-day international cricket in September.
The respected captain played 145 one-day internationals and was a key part of Australia’s 2015 World triumph, also on home soil.
His career record of 17 centuries and 5401 runs at an average of 39 is world class will ensure he goes down as a great of the game.
Craig Young - St George Illawarra chairman
Craig Young’s decision to write a character reference for Brett Finch using an official NRL Dragons letterhead led to him standing down from the club’s board.
Young was slammed for providing Finch with a character reference during his court battle after being charged with sharing child abuse material.
The St George legend apologised for his “error of judgment” but said he did not regret supporting Finch.
On November 23 Finch avoided jail after sending a series of vile child abuse messages via a sex chat service. He told the court he had no interest in children but was attempting to source drugs.
Trent Barrett - Canterbury NRL team coach
In May, beleaguered Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett stood down from his role after the team slumped to the bottom of the ladder despite injecting a number of high profile recruits.
“We would sincerely like to thank Trent for all of his hard work and effort over the past 18 months in what has been a very difficult time for the Club,” the club said in a statement.
“As this is a challenging time for all parties, the Club would like to respect Trent’s privacy and wish him all the best for the future.”
Manly Sea Eagles pride jersey saga
In July, Seven Manly players sensationally stood down ahead of clash with the Sydney Roosters to boycott the club’s decision to wear a pride jersey.
Seven players – Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olaka’uatu, Tolutau Koula, Christian Tuipulotu and Toafofoa Sipley — stunned rugby league by standing down from the July 28 game, based on their religious beliefs, in protest.
The jersey titled Everyone in League was created to celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the NRL.
BUSINESS
Roxy Jacenko - Sweaty Betty
Sydney PR queen Roxy Jacenko made the shock decision to step down from Sweaty Betty, the public relations business she founded in 2004.
The mother of two — who has appeared in reality TV programs like SAS Australia and Celebrity Apprentice — announced her move on Instagram in November.
“I’ve lived and breathed Sweaty Betty (in sickness and in health, quite literally) but now it’s time to live, continue to build my own brands whilst managing my incredible talent within Ministry of Talent – which I just adore,” she wrote.
“I’m proud – I feel like I earned that title I’ve been labelled ‘PR Queen’ and at the same time, I have tears because wow what a f***ing ride its been!!!!!!!” Jacenko continued.
The Star casino
There were a number of high-profile executive departures from Star Entertainment as reviews were held into the company’s Queensland and New South Wales casinos.
This includes former chief executive Matt Bekier, chief financial officer Harry Theodore, chief legal and risk officer Paula Martin, and chief casino officer Greg Hawkins.
In September, Star Entertainment’s acting chief executive and long-serving boss of its Queensland casinos, Geoff Hogg, quit almost two weeks after the release of Adam Bell SC’s review into the company, which found it was unfit to hold a NSW casino licence.
Originally published as Australia’s biggest celebrity resignations and step downs of 2022
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