Channel Seven announced that veteran broadcaster Melissa Doyle, 50, has left the network after 25 years of service on Friday.
And hours later, former breakfast show rival Lisa Wilkinson shared a heartfelt tribute to the former Sunrise host, calling her a ‘class act’, in an Instagram post.
‘So much admiration for you Melissa Doyle. After 25 hugely successful years at Channel Seven, you are, as always, a class act with your news today,’ Lisa, 60, wrote.
Heartfelt: On Friday, former breakfast show rival Lisa Wilkinson (right) called Melissa Doyle (left) ‘a class act’ in an Instagram post, after the news Melissa has left Channel Seven following 25 years of service. Pictured on the red carpet of the 2014 Academy Awards in Los Angeles
‘When I left Sunrise to join The Today Show you were the very first to wish me well,’ she added.
‘And so much of how I approached that role was from watching you.’
Accompanying the sweet post was a throwback picture of Lisa and Melissa on the red carpet of the 2014 Academy Awards in Los Angeles.
Their history: The pair became friends in 2005 when Lisa (right) became the host of Weekend Sunrise and Melissa (left) hosted the weekday show, however Lisa jumped ship to Channel Nine to host the Today Show in 2007
In the image, Melissa looked sensational in a red halterneck gown given a racy edge with a thigh-high split.
Her luscious blonde locks fell over her shoulders in large curls and she wore glamorous makeup with a full coverage foundation and a soft pink lip.
Lisa was also dressed to the nines in an off the shoulder coral gown with a peplum she wore with layered chunky necklaces.
Praise: Despite appearing on rival shows the pair remained close. Lisa said ‘When I left Sunrise to join The Today Show you were the very first to wish me well. And so much of how I approached that role was from watching you.’
Lisa wore her brown tresses in an elegant updo with side-swept bangs which perfectly framed her face and glamorous makeup with a smokey eye and rosy cheeks.
The pair became friends in 2005 when Lisa became the host of Weekend Sunrise and Melissa hosted the weekday show.
Melissa’s departure is believed to be the result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Seven particularly hard.
End of an era: Veteran broadcaster Melissa Doyle has left Channel Seven after 25 years, the network announced on Friday
The former Sunday Night host, said in a statement: ‘For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history.’
She continued: ‘I am incredibly proud of the work I have done and appreciative of the trust and warmth our viewers have shown me.
‘I want to thank the consummate professionals I have worked with along the way, in particular our Chairman Kerry Stokes for his constant support.’
Tough times: Her departure is believed to be the result of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Seven particularly hard
She concluded: ‘I leave Seven with a great deal of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.’
Melissa first joined Seven’s Canberra bureau as a political reporter back in 1995.
She then moved to Sydney, working as a newsreader on the network’s 11AM program.
Dignified: The former Sunrise host, 50, said in a statement: ‘For 25 years, I have called Channel Seven home. I’ve had the privilege to share stories that mattered, meet incredible people and be there for significant moments in history’
Melissa was one of Sunrise’s first hosts, before the breakfast show was temporarily axed in 1999 and brought back the following year.
She rejoined the program in 2002, and also hosted a string of other shows for the network, including Today Tonight.
The mother of two announced she was leaving Sunrise in June 2013, and finished up in August that same year.
Early days: Melissa first joined Seven’s Canberra bureau as a political reporter back in 1995
Melissa remained with the network, however, presenting Seven Afternoon News and Seven News at 7.
In 2015, she was announced as host and senior correspondent for Sunday Night, but the current affairs show was cancelled in October last year as a cost-cutting measure.
The network is set to farewell Melissa with ‘a special tribute celebrating her exceptional contribution’ during Friday’s 7News broadcast at 6pm.
Pioneer: Melissa was one of Sunrise’s first hosts, before the breakfast show was temporarily axed in 1999 and brought back the following year. Pictured alongside co-host David Koch