Sports presenter Abbey Gelmi parts ways with Channel 7 months after welcoming second child

There’s been another switch up to the talent pool at Channel 7 in Melbourne, with respected sports presenter Abbey Gelmi the latest star to walk out the door.

Abbey Gelmi has notified Channel 7 bosses that she does not intend to seek a new contract. Picture: Supplied/Ch7

Respected sports presenter Abbey Gelmi has parted ways with Channel 7.

The weekend sport newsreader since April 2022, Gelmi told the network of her decision not to seek a new contract on Thursday.

“I’ve had so many incredible opportunities at Seven but it’s the right time for the next chapter,’’ Gelmi told the Herald Sun.

Respected sports presenter Abbey Gelmi has parted ways with Channel 7. Picture: Supplied

Presenter Abbey Gelmi currently hosts a sports podcast with fellow media identity and friend Georgie Tunny. Picture: iHeart

“I’m forever grateful for the experience and life long friends gained.”

Due back from maternity leave after giving birth to her second child in November, it’s believed the move didn’t come as a shock with the network also planning to move in a different direction.

The mutual parting of ways has come at a good time for Gelmi who last month landed the gig as host of ABC’s Offsiders.

She also co-hosts her own successful podcast called Two Good Sports with Georgie Tunny.

The popular sports presenter last month landed the gig hosting ABC’s Offsiders. Picture: David Caird

Abbey Gelmi with partner Kane Lambert. Picture: AFL Photos

Director of Seven News, Chris Salter, said: “From the Olympics, to the AFL, cricket, motorsport and horse racing — Abbey has covered it all. She’s the ultimate all rounder — and leaves Seven with some lifelong friends. We know she’ll be a success in whatever she chooses to do next.”

Gelmi, who will likely be replaced as weekend sports presenter by sports reporter Theo Doropulos, was considered a rising star at Seven having co-hosted the Tokyo Olympics and Winter Olympics.

Her grandfather, middle-distance running legend Herb Elliott, helped foster her passion for sport.

Also a presenter of Footy Central on Saturday nights, she had struggled with illness during her pregnancies with sons Louis and Oliver whom she shares with fiance, former Richmond premiership star Kane Lambert.

Last year she opened up about dealing with the “debilitating” case of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe type of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy — which forced her to sit out much of work last season.

Abbey Gelmi welcome second son Oliver with partner Kane Lambert last November. Picture: Instagram

Abbey Gelmi (centre) with Channel 7 presenters Mike Amor and Rebecca Maddern Picture: Supplied

Gelmi’s exit from Seven comes just weeks after weekend weather presenter Sonia Marinelli tendered her resignation after three years in that role.

In July last year Karina Carvalho joined Seven News and has now replaced Rebecca Maddern presenting on weekends alongside Mike Amor.

Maddern has now moved into the role of weeknight sports presenter as well as host of Thursday night footy.

Under new Seven West Media boss Anthony De Ceglie, who started in April last year, there’s been an overhaul of almost the entire news leadership team at Seven and the launch of a new national news desk.