Lisa Millar quits ABC News Breakfast

One of the ABC’s top presenters announced on-air this morning that they’re quitting their hosting role on News Breakfast.

ABC presenter Lisa Millar announced on-air this morning that she’s quitting her hosting role on ABC News Breakfast.

She revealed that she will finish up with the show on August 23, but will remain with the ABC, focusing on her other projects: As narrator of the Logie-nominated series Muster Dogs, as guest presenter of Back Roads and as co-host of the podcast The Newsreader.

Millar, 55, first presented News Breakfast in 2018, permanently joining co-host Michael Rowland the following year.

Lisa Millar with co-host Michael Rowland.

“What a blast the past five years has been, whether it was interviewing prime ministers and global thought leaders or getting karaoke encouragement from my childhood idol Gladys Knight,’’ Millar said.

“In 35 years of journalism I’ve never done anything so exciting, unpredictable, and fun. It’s only worked because of the awesome team in front of the cameras and behind the scenes who kept me laughing.

“Most importantly, I want to thank our viewers who brought me into their homes and lives every morning. I’ve loved sharing breakfast with you all.

The co-hosts hit the red carpet together. Picture: Getty

Millar’s departure has been described as a “huge loss” for the show. Picture: Facebook

“I’m excited to hit the road and discover more of the incredible stories that make up the remarkable tapestry of our culture. There are so many adventures ahead, whether it be with Back Roads, Muster Dogs, or new projects we’re cooking up. What a privilege it is to be a part of that future.”

Millar’s co-host Michael Rowlands tweeted today that her departure was “sad news for News Breakfast viewers. Wishing Lisa all the best on those back roads and dog wrangling assignments. And enjoy the sleep-ins!”

Fellow ABC presenter Leigh Sales called Millar’s departure from News Breakfast a “huge loss.”

“The one thing I know after 25 years working with this woman is whatever she delivers is done with quality, warmth and integrity,” she wrote.

ABC News Director Justin Stevens also paid tribute, calling Millar a “superb journalist and broadcaster who personifies the very best values and attributes of ABC journalists.”

“She’s done a fantastic job presenting News Breakfast over the past five years – one of the toughest jobs in Australian TV. The relentless hours never impeded her incredible warmth and energy, or her passion for delivering the best program for the audience,” he said.

Millar has been with the ABC since 1993. Her departure from ABC News Breakfast comes after she unleashed on “disgusting” online trolls who’d criticised her appearance back in March, while also slamming media coverage of the abuse she’d copped.

Originally published as Lisa Millar quits ABC News Breakfast