Sunrise star Mark Beretta leaves show to focus on family after father's death
Mark Beretta has announced his departure from Sunrise after 22 years, citing his father's recent cancer death and desire for more family time.
Mark Beretta has pulled stumps after 22 years on Sunrise and three decades at Channel 7.
The veteran TV sports presenter, who is affectionately known to colleagues and viewers as ‘Beretts’, made the surprise announcement live on air.
The visibly emotional Beretta said his decision was prompted by his father’s recent death and the desire to spend more time with family.
“From the bottom of my heart, thanks to all of our viewers, who have taken me in, treated me like family, and been on this fun ride with me,” Beretta told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s a real privilege to have been welcomed into the start of your day, and to have connected with so many wonderful people.”
Sunrise co-host Natalie Barr said: “For more than 20 years we have sat together in the Sunrise studio and what a ride it has been. So many amazing memories of the most special job in the world. You never quite leave the Sunrise family though … so see you soon Beretts.”
Beretta, 59, will finish up on the top rating breakfast TV show in two weeks, his last episode falling on December 12.
His decision to step away came after “a lot of long nights thinking about it”.
“Losing dad to cancer two months ago, and mum fighting on against the disease, has made me see the world a little differently,” he said.
“Family time has become even more important. And I want to do more to help the great work of Tour de Cure in finding treatments and cures for cancer.”
During his time with Seven, Beretta has covered 13 Olympic Games and covered all sports from AFL to the Australian Open Tennis, Supercars and Commonwealth Games.
Matt Shirvington, co-host of Sunrise, first met Beretta when he was an athlete. Shirvington of course famously represented Australia at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
“For the last couple of years I feel privileged to have worked with you full time, and I know that it is very emotional for you at the moment,” Shirvington said.
“But I’ve also got to say too as one of those athletes that worked with you right at the very beginning, coming in as a guest as well, thank you so much. We spoke this morning and I reminded you of a moment that you introduced me as a household name and I will never forget it.”
It was an emotional moment for the team.
Edwina Bartholomew recalled meeting Beretta who was “the very first person to take me under your wing as a 21-year-old producer”.
“You will be missed,” she said, holding back tears.
“And the fact you’ve never drunk a cup of coffee in 22 years and yet you are always so up and bright and early and just sort of the real life Lego man where everything is amazing.”
Beretta has been a deeply passionate advocate for Tour de Cure, a charity that raises funds for
cancer research programs and support. He has regularly taken part in the 1400km charity bike ride from Sydney to Mooloolaba that takes place over 10 days and sits on the board of Tour de Cure.
“My passion for sport and athletes and telling their terrific stories will never fade, and I won’t be far away,” he said.
“There are some big events on the horizon that I’m thrilled to be part of, including my ongoing work with Tour de Cure and the annual Sunrise ride, which will continue as always.”
His other on-air memories range from dancing to MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This, “being jammed in a glass box with anaconda snakes”, waterskiing on the Yarra River and parachuting with the Red Berets.
Seven’s Director of Morning Television, Sarah Stinson, said: “Mark has been the heartbeat of Sunrise’s sports coverage for more than two decades. His passion for telling the stories of athletes and everyday Australians have made mornings brighter for viewers right across the country. While we’ll miss him, we know he’s ready to kick off the next chapter, with family, charity, and the sports he loves. We thank Mark for his incredible contribution to Sunrise and the Seven Network and wish him all the very best.”
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