Jess Rowe quits Studio 10: ‘It’s something that I need to do’

JESSICA Rowe quit Studio 10 on air this morning - and revealed that Ten made her a very attractive offer to stay.

STUDIO 10 host Jessica Rowe has made the shock announcement that she’s leaving the show during this morning’s episode.

In an emotional announcement that left several of her co-hosts in tears, Rowe revealed that she’d be leaving the program at the end of March to spend more time with her family.

Rowe said the decision had been “difficult” but was made because “my family need me”.

Speaking to news.com.au afterwards, she confirmed that she had been offered a new deal by Ten prior to her resignation.

“Ten have been really supportive of me and my need to step back. Even as late as last week, they gave me a new proposal with reduced hours, but ultimately, after discussing it again with the family, I decided that [my daughters] Allegra and Giselle came first at this time.

“Simple as that. I’ve had incredible support from people right across the TV industry today, and that means the world to me.”

While she’s taking a step back from TV for now, Rowe will continue to work on her popular ‘Crap Housewife’ website, while focusing on her public speaking and advocacy in the mental health field.

During her emotional resignation on Studio 10, Rowe explained she wanted to be a “more present mother.”

“Allegra and Giselle need their mum. I want to be there in the mornings for them, to take them to school ... It is something that I need to do, it is as simple as that.”

She said she’d discussed the decision at length with her husband, Nine journalist Peter Overton.

“Peter and I have spoken a lot about this over the past six months and it has weighed on me because this is the best job that I have ever had on television. It is family. It is a job that has allowed me to find my voice and my courage again and I will never forget that.

“When I told Paul Anderson, the CEO, of my decision earlier this week, he was incredibly supportive and understood my reasons with family and the network has been nothing but supportive and said any time I’m welcome back.”

Rowe’s co-hosts — including Joe Hildebrand, who appeared overcome by emotion and bowed his head at the desk throughout the segment — were effusive in their praise of their departing colleague.

Joe Hildebrand breaks down.

“I have made one of the best friends I’ve ever had, and we’ve got that for the rest of our lives,” said Denise Drysdale.

“What I love most about you, after chatting to [fellow co-host, who is off on maternity leave] Sarah Harris, is that you wear your heart on your sleeve and I can say from the bottom of my heart, rarely do you meet people with such kindness and courage and with your incredible work with mental health, you have brought comfort to so many people around this country and I want to read a little message from our lovely viewers at home,” said Natarsha Belling.

Jess and her colleagues embrace.

Following Rowe’s announcement, former Studio 10 executive producer Rob McKnight — who dramatically exited the show in November last year, publicly announcing that his services were “no longer required” — issued a tweet alleging Ten had “planned to sack [Rowe] for over a year”:

Sad to hear @JessRowe is leaving @Studio10au. @channelten have been planning to sack her for over a year. She blamed me, even though I was trying to save her job.

— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) March 8, 2018

A Ten spokesman refuted McKnight’s claims when contacted by news.com.au this morning:

“Mr McKnight’s claim is completely wrong, obviously spiteful and deliberately misleading. As Jess said, she has decided to leave Studio 10 to devote more time to her family and her other interests. Anyone who suggests otherwise is being petty and ignorant. Jess is welcome back to Ten anytime.”

McKnight, who is now employed by Newscorp and plans to sue Ten for breach of contract, responded to the network’s statement with another tweet:

Re @channelten’s quote in @newscomauHQ saying my tweet was “completely wrong”, I look forward to them repeating that in court. https://t.co/cbDG6eQVN4

— Robert McKnight (@rob_mcknight) March 8, 2018

Rowe’s manager David Wilson responded to McKnight’s original tweet: “To be absolutely clear — Ten offered Jess a generous new contract for her to stay. Leaving @Studio10au was Jess’ choice for the reasons she so beautifully articulated on air this morning. It takes great courage to make these big decisions.”

Viewers were quick to express their disappointment that Rowe, who has been with Studio 10 since it launched in 2013, would be leaving the program:

@JessRowe you have been and still continue to be a inspiration to me and hearing that infections laugh of yours really lifts me up! And helps me battle my anxiety and depression just seeing you happy makes me happy. And @Joe_Hildebrand please don’t cry as I was crying with you

— Luke Sandford (@stoatyhedgehog) March 8, 2018

This is sad news. @JessRowe is one of the most delightful, funny, smart women on television. Good luck with your next move, Jess. You'll kill it no matter where you are x https://t.co/iDgjFTaWc8

— Rachel Corbett (@RachelCorbett) March 8, 2018

@JessRowe you are a fierce and glam superstar/mum/warrior. Thank you for your voice, your heart, your kindness and empathy. We'll all be here waiting whenever you choose to come back into our lounge rooms. 💖

— O_miCa🏳️‍🌈 (@mc_O_miCa) March 8, 2018

You have been an inspiration for so many Jessica. You go now and fill you heart with joy & enjoy your next chapter. You will be missed.

— Jill (@jilljorrges) March 8, 2018

Rowe’s final day on Studio 10 will be Good Friday, March 30.