Lisa Wilkinson on life after Today
Lisa Wilkinson’s controversial departure from the Today show made headlines last week, and while everyone was keen to weigh in on her decision to switch to Network Ten, it seems like the only person we didn’t hear from was Lisa.
The 57-year-old TV personality, who sat at the Today show desk for 10 years, has finally broken her silence, speaking about her stunning departure from the program.
In a column for The Huffington Post, Wilkinson writes,
“While I appreciate the news (of leaving the role) was all a little, shall we say, abrupt, viewers have been incredibly warm and generous in their messages of support, and I am humbled by the fact that it has generated an important national debate – but the intense level of scrutiny has been utterly overwhelming,” Wilkinson said.
“Paparazzi have been camped outside our house. The prying lenses of complete strangers have captured and published images taken through my kitchen window. They've followed my children. I have been chased down streets. Into cul-de-sacs.”
Lisa explained that she felt overwhelmed by the kindness that had been displayed by some, but added the experience had left her a little “out of whack”. The experienced journalist went on to share a story about her friend Rebecka Delforce who she worked with at CLEO magazine which she said, “put some true perspective into things”.
“She came to me as a feisty, opinionated and fabulously determined 19-year-old – tall, athletic, the kind of girl you just knew probably captained every school sports team she turned her skills to. Popular. Funny. With a killer smile. And a kindness in her heart that warmed us all,” Lisa explained.
Sometimes all you need in life is perspective. I've learnt that in spades this last week.
My column for @HuffPostAU https://t.co/bFZwpds4T9— Lisa Wilkinson (@Lisa_Wilkinson) October 25, 2017
Lisa wrote about how Beck had moved to Africa to do charity work, falling in love with her primary school sweetheart Darren. The couple had plans to marry, before Darren was tragically shot while trying to protect his partner. Nine years on after struggling with PTSD from the incident, Beck was diagnosed with cancer, passing five weeks later.
Lisa has said her goodbyes to Beck, who “lived a life of real meaning.”
In her tribute to her, Lisa finished, “And even now, in your passing, your gift of warming the hearts of others and providing perspective on what truly matters, lives on
“We can't thank you enough.”
What are your thoughts? Are you happy for Lisa? Do you think Channel Nine made the right decision in letting her jump ship to Network 10?