‘New chapter’: Natasha Exelby joins Network 10 exodus

Ten News First host Natasha Exelby has is the latest in a string of prime time presenters who have ditched the struggling network.

Veteran 10 Network newsreader Natasha Exelby has quit her role as host of Ten News First, joining other high-profile hosts who have abandoned the network in what’s been described as a “mass exodus”.

Exelby, 34, announced her shock departure via social media on Wednesday, bringing to an end a decade-long career with the struggling network.

“BREAKING NEWS: I can EXCLUSIVELY reveal I’m departing Ten News First this Friday. I look forward to drawing on my 20 years in journalism for the next adventure!” she wrote on Instagram, recounting highlights from a career that’s so far included visits to more than 50 countries.

Natasha Exelby is saying goodbye to 10. Picture: Instagram

“I somehow survived a military coup while living in Turkey where my house was sprayed with bullets,” Exelby said.

“Reporting from nations like Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq …. learning their stories of torture and loss, has taught me humility, and the breathtaking brilliance of humanity – even when unimaginable evil strikes.

“Joining refugees on their harrowing journey from the Middle East, across the Aegean Sea to Europe, is a life lesson in bravery and grit that will stay with me forever.

Exelby shared throwback snaps reporting from around the world. Picture: Instagram

The 34-year-old is the latest in a string of departures from Ten. Picture: Instagram

“The resilience and brilliance I observed in the Hong Kong uprising was mind-blowing. And in our own backyard, meeting those who’ve lost everything through bushfires and floods, and STILL getting up to fight another day, makes me so proud to be Australian.”

Exelby thanked her Channel 10 colleagues, who she said had become “friends and even family”, adding that it was “time for a new chapter” – but kept mum on what her next career move will be.

Exelby’s announcement comes just a few weeks after she quit her role at Studio 10, making the shock announcement on the very day she left the daytime show.

Carrie Bickmore, Lisa Wilkinson and Peter Helliar have all quit The Project. Picture: Ten Network

The Project loses three hosts in two months

It was the same day co-host Sarah Harris gave an emotional farewell, as she prepared to move to The Project to fill a seat on the near-empty panel.

Harris will replace Carrie Bickmore on the panel show, who began the exodus with her resignation in October after 13 years on the desk.

Bickmore said the decision was the “hardest of my professional life”.

“It’s no secret that this show has become a second home to me, and I couldn’t be more thankful to everyone that has been involved on and off screen,” she said.

Comedian Peter Helliar, too, handed in his resignation from The Project that same month, saying it was “on my mind for a while”.

Meanwhile, network bosses face the tough financial prospect of continuing to pay Lisa Wilkinson, who stepped down from the show but remains on a lucrative multi-year contract as Channel 10 attempts to find her a new role.

Wilkinson, 63, announced in November she was leaving the panel due to “relentless, targeted” media coverage in the wake of the Bruce Lehrmann trial.

After renewing her contract in 2021, she reportedly gets paid upwards of $1.7 million per year – and so has potentially made around $280,000 during her two-month hiatus.

Lisa Wilkinson gave a teary goodbye in November, but is reportedly still paid $1.7 million per year. Picture: Ten Play

I’m A Celebrity host Chris Brown has also quit after being poached by Channel 7. Picture: Network Ten

Dr Chris Brown also quits

Dr Chris Brown, who is also leaving the network, paid tribute to Exelby after her announcement.

“You’re one of the true delights of this business,” he wrote in response to her resignation post.

“Smart and funny. A dangerous combination in any newsroom … or jungle. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Brown announced he would be leaving Network Ten earlier this month, having been poached by rival network Seven.

He will wrap up what will be his final season hosting I’m A Celebrity … Get me Out Of Here! in April, before making the move in July.

News.com.au understands Brown will be on a two-year contract with Seven, believed to be worth more than $1 million a year.

The staggering exodus comes as Channel 10’s reality TV staple, The Bachelor, also seems to be on its last legs amid dwindling ratings.

The latest season – widely reported to be the last – launched to just 309,000 metro viewers, peaking at 478,000, its lowest premiere in franchise history.