Channel 7 sports presenter Jacqui Felgate to be replaced by rising star Abbey Gelmi

The replacement for Channel 7 sports presenter Jacqui Felgate has been revealed, with a rising star poised to take over her role.

The replacement for Channel 7 sports presenter Jacqui Felgate has been revealed, with rising star Abbey Gelmi poised to take over her role in the network’s AFL coverage.

Earlier this week it was revealed that Felgate would be leaving the network, saying she wants to spend more time with her young family.

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On Sunday, the newsreader announced on social media that she would be pursuing other opportunities, while also thanking her husband, fellow Seven presenter Michael Felgate.

“I feel utterly overwhelmed by everyone’s kind words. Thank you so much. I’ve had a wonderful career with 7 News — it was more than I could have ever hoped for,” she wrote on Instagram.

“For now it’s time to have a break and be a mum to my wonderful daughters. I’m looking forward to whatever the future may hold!

“I thought about doing a post with all the cool things that have happened over the last 10 years. But nothing really topped reading the news with my husband. He’s the real star of our family. He gave up so much to let me live my dream. @mfelgate now I’ll actually be home to annoy you! Not just on the telly.”

Mike Amor and Jacqui Felgate. Picture: Jake Nowakowski.

But despite speculation recruit Rebecca Maddern would replace Felgate, the Herald Sun reports that Gelmi will take on the footy role.

Gelmi previously worked as a presenter for Fox Sports before joining Channel 7 in 2018. She has been involved in the network’s cricket coverage and was a leading presenter during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics.

Gelmi has been in a relationship with Richmond premiership player Kane Lambert since midway through last year.

She moved to Melbourne last year following her divorce from sports presenter Ben Way, which came 12 months after their wedding in South Australia.

The 32-year-old, who is the grand daughter of Olympic legend Herb Elliot, changed her name back to her maiden “Gelmi” title following the break-up.

Felgate, meanwhile, is moving on after nearly a decade at Seven. Along with presenting news, sport and providing updates during AFL coverage, she has also co-hosted the Brownlow Medal — a role the Herald Sun reports she may continue in.

Felgate became emotional when she signed off from her final sports bulletin on Sunday night.

“I’m had a wonderful time here at Seven,” she said.

“The last two years have been have been really tough and I’m looking forward to being a good mum to my kids.”

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Felgate added: “It’s not easy having a young family and juggling the work that’s required to be a journalist.

“Every single parent and family knows exactly what the juggle is like. The last few years have made that clearer, what are your priorities in life and what do you want to do next. I’ve been offered some great opportunities but with a lot less pressure.”