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Channel 10 newsreader admits to driving while four times over the legal limit

Natasha Exelby, a well-known journalist and former Channel 10 newsreader, recently found herself in the spotlight for an entirely different reason than her on-air mishap in 2017. On a fateful day last June, she was involved in a drink driving incident in Toorak, Melbourne. This incident marked a low point in her life, but it also sheds light on the profound impact of mental health struggles and the road to recovery. Exelby, 34, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court and made a candid admission: she had driven while suspended and under the influence of alcohol, registering a blood alcohol concentration of .220, over four times the legal limit. She narrowly escaped conviction but didn't escape the consequences of her actions. In her statement to the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/journalist-natasha-exelby-busted-drink-driving-after-crashing-into-parked-car-while-four-times-over-legal-limit/news-story/f710cdbc849622fb4e298b61c049c1f3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herald Sun</a>, Exelby took full responsibility for her actions, citing her ongoing battle with major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. She courageously acknowledged her struggles and the role they played in her regrettable choices that day. "It's no secret that I've suffered from major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for many years," she said. "At the time of the incident, I was going through a very dark period with multiple medication changes. Never in my life did I think I would be capable of what happened but regardless of my mental health, my actions were shocking beyond words and I take full responsibility." Her journey towards this dark moment was marked by openness about her mental health. In September 2022, she appeared on Studio 10, where she revealed the depths of her internal battles. She discussed experiencing episodes of inexplicable crying, a common symptom of depression. This revelation was crucial in the context of R U OK? Day, emphasizing the importance of checking on the well-being of those around us. Natasha's admission serves as a stark reminder that mental health issues are every bit as valid as physical ailments. She compared her experience with depression to "drowning" and disclosed that she had been on medication and in therapy for major depression for years. Her message is clear: it's okay to seek help when battling these internal demons, and recovery is possible, even if it's a long and winding road. Exelby's struggle with mental health is by no means a recent development. She revealed that she had been dealing with major depression since the age of 15, highlighting the enduring nature of the condition. Her story is an inspiration for others who are going through similar challenges, proving that there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when it feels like the journey will never end. Before her battle with depression and her recent legal troubles, Exelby made headlines in 2017 for an <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/one-year-later-why-natasha-exelby-isnt-haunted-by-abc-blooper/news-story/24398919d522c0029e6d7963f165897d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on-air gaffe</a> during an ABC news broadcast. Despite the initial shock, she took the incident in stride, even finding humour in it and acknowledging the role that social media and celebrities like Russell Crowe played in making the video go viral. It was a moment of resilience and self-awareness that foreshadowed her future ability to face her own mental health struggles. Exelby's open honesty, her admission of her mistakes and her ongoing battle with mental health challenges is a reminder that anyone can face difficulties, regardless of their public persona. By sharing her experiences, Exelby is contributing to the ongoing conversation about mental health, helping to break down the stigma that often surrounds it. Images: Instagram

Legal

TV celebs flock to Perth for Nine newsreader's glam wedding

Tracy Vo, a beloved Nine News reporter, has exchanged vows with her partner, Liam Connolly, in a glamorous ceremony on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. The glittering event attracted the crème de la crème of Australian television personalities, who flocked to Perth to celebrate the couple's union. Tracy, at the age of 39, looked absolutely stunning as she glided down the aisle in her exquisite strapless wedding gown, adorned with intricate beading. Her dress featured delicate sheer layers and intricate pearlescent embellishments, accentuated by a flowing, long veil that added a touch of ethereal elegance. As Tracy made her way to the altar, surrounded by her celebrity friends, she shared a heartfelt moment with her dashing groom, who was impeccably dressed in a timeless tuxedo. Tracy was gracefully escorted down the aisle by a relative who appeared to be her father, carrying a bouquet of vibrant yellow and white blooms. After the touching ceremony, the newlyweds and their A-list guests revelled in the joyous occasion, capturing memorable selfies throughout the night. Among the notable attendees were Nine's Sylvia Jeffreys and her husband, Sky News journalist Peter Stefanovic, known as a power couple in Australian media circles. Sylvia, 37, radiated elegance in a strapless maxi dress, complemented by a black designer handbag and strappy heels. Peter, 41, was equally stylish in a navy suit as they arrived at the venue. Another standout was Allison Langdon, who donned a stunning $2,300 blush-coloured Diane Gown dress with elegant drapery. Accompanied by her husband, Mike Willesee Jnr, and cricket star Mitchell Johnson, Allison epitomised chic sophistication in her attire. Afterwards, Allison summed it up for all attendees with her gushing post: "Best wedding ever!!!" Jessica Rowe and her Nine newsreader husband, Peter Overton, graced the celebration as well. Jessica turned heads in a long-sleeve pink sequin dress and heels, showcasing her signature style. The weather presenter, Scherri-Lee Biggs, proudly displayed her growing baby bump as she arrived with her AFL player husband, Daniel Venables. The couple added a special touch to the event with their presence. Tracy had announced her engagement to Liam in July of the previous year, sharing the happy news on Instagram alongside a photo of her dazzling engagement ring. She recounted the moment Liam proposed at Miri Miri, expressing her joy, tears, and excitement at saying yes. Tracy lovingly described Liam as the kindest and sweetest soul who made her laugh every day. In early 2020, Tracy had relocated from her hometown of Perth to Sydney when she was promoted as a newsreader on the Today show. However, her tenure was brief as she returned to Perth shortly before Western Australia imposed strict border restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Her decision to move back was driven by her father's health issues, as he battled Morvan Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Tracy had explained her move, emphasising it was a family decision, and expressed her affection for her former Today show colleagues despite her departure. She missed them but affirmed that family considerations had been her guiding motivation. Images: Instagram

Relationships

Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

BBC journalist and newsreader George Alagiah has sadly passed away at the age of 67. After a gruelling nine years of battling bowel cancer, a statement from his agent has confirmed that the respected journalist died “peacefully, surrounded by his family and loved ones”. “George was deeply loved by everybody who knew him, whether it was a friend, a colleague or a member of the public,” she said. “He simply was a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with Fran, the boys and his wider family.” The agent added that Alagiah passed away on Monday, but “fought until the bitter end”. Alagiah was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014 and by October 2022, the disease had spread further. The beloved journalist was a prominent figure on British TV with an “outstanding” career spanning over three decades. He was an award-winning foreign correspondent for BBC News, reporting from countries ranging from Rwanda to Iraq, before he became a presenter for BBC News at Six in 2003. Tributes have poured in for the respected newsreader from fellow journalists and colleagues. “A gentler, kinder, more insightful and braver friend and colleague it would be hard to find,” BBC World Affairs editor John Simpson tweeted. “Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George. We are thinking of his family at this time,” BBC director general Tim Davie said. “He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously,” he added. “We loved him here at BBC News and I loved him as a mentor, colleague and friend,” BBC One O’Clock news presenter Clive Myrie told viewers. Another colleague, Naga Munchetty, broke down in tears live on air while reporting about his death. “Apologies for the emotion in my voice – he was so loved in our newsroom,” she said. Alagiah is survived by his wife Frances and their two sons Adam and Matthew. Image: Getty

News

Veteran newsreader reportedly fired for "going grey"

A veteran newsreader has reportedly been fired from one of Canada’s most-watched television news programs after "going grey". Lisa LaFlamme announced she would be leaving the CTV National News presenter said she was “blindsided” and left “shocked and saddened” by the allegedly sudden decision to end her contract. “At 58, I still thought I’d have a lot more time to tell more of the stories that impact our daily lives,” she said in the Twitter video. “It is crushing to be leaving CTV National News in a manner that is not my choice.” The news anchor said she was asked to keep the details of her termination confidential, as the company released a statement saying the decision had nothing to do with LaFlamme’s hair colour or age and was simply “a business decision”. LaFlamme, like many people around the world, stopped dying her previously brown hair throughout the pandemic, a decision she told viewers she wished she had made sooner. “I finally said, ‘Why bother? I’m going grey.’ Honestly, if I had known the lockdown could be so liberating on that front I would have done it a lot sooner,” she said during the network’s year-in-review special. LaFlamme has been in the anchor job since 2011 but has been with the news outlet for 35 years, and still had two years left on her contract at the time of the “blindside”. Bell Media, which owns CTV National News, said it knew many viewers would be disappointed LaFlamme “would be leaving her position”, and regretted the way the news had been revealed. It added it would launch an independent investigation into newsroom practices. “CTV regrets that the way in which the news of her departure has been communicated may have left viewers with the wrong impression about how CTV regards Lisa and her remarkable career,” Bell Media tweeted in a statement. “We have always taken matters regarding any discrimination very seriously and are committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful work environment for all our employees, devoid of any toxic behaviour." “Consistent with our policies, we are taking steps to initiate an independent third-party internal workplace review of our newsroom, which will take place over the following weeks.” Image credits: CTV News

Today Show newsreader welcomes baby boy

Newsreader for The Today Show Alex Cullen has shared heart-warming news on Monday morning. The journalist and his wife Bonnie have welcomed a baby boy to their growing family. The baby boy was morning early on Sunday morning and has yet to be named by his adoring parents. Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon were thrilled announced the birth on air this morning with beaming smiles and well wishes for the parents. Ally said, ""He's no longer the only man in the house, his beautiful wife Bonnie delivered a healthy baby boy early yesterday morning." "His twin girls Audrey and Evie are very excited to have a little brother." They shares a series of photos form the parents of their new son, as well as a snap of a very tired Alex taking a nap alongside his baby. This is the third child for Alex and Bonnie who are also parents to two-and-a-half year old twins, Audrey and Evie. Alex also shared the exciting news with his thousands of Instagram followers, which welcomed a flood of congratulatory messages. He captioned the photos with, "We couldn’t be happier. Our healthy, happy little boy came into the world at 1.08 on Sunday morning weighing 3.7 kilograms." "After 41 and a half weeks it was well and truly worth the wait! Name TBC and can’t wait for his big twin sisters Audrey and Evie to meet him, boss him and shower him with cuddles." "I marvel at Bonnie’s strength especially in these very trying times. Just amazing. Mum and baby Cullen recovering well." Image credit: Channel Nine

Family & Pets

“This is a new twist but I’m grateful for it”: Veteran newsreader declines further cancer treatment

Veteran newsreader Brian Henderson has decided not to have surgery after receiving his fifth cancer diagnosis at the age of 88. The former Nine presenter – who was diagnosed with kidney cancer in September – has told his doctor he would not be having any surgery or radiation or chemotherapy treatment, <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/tv-veteran-brian-henderson-on-why-he-wont-fight-latest-cancer/news-story/1802417a962b89fe2fecc679444afba0">The Daily Telegraph</a> reported. “My doctor said the tumour in my kidney is likely to be slow growing so I’ve decided, at my age, to leave it there,” Henderson told the newspaper. “The doctor said I’m likely to die of something else before this kills me.” The Gold Logie-winner was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 1999, prostate cancer in 2004, hydrocephalus of the brain in 2013, and throat cancer in 2014. According to <a href="https://celebrity.nine.com.au/latest/brian-henderson-cancer-fifth-time-why-wont-seek-treatment/d2229d21-8c63-41a9-9164-b8a021b440f5">9Honey</a>, the tumour on his tonsil and half his salivary glands took 30 radiation sessions to remove. “I’ve had my prostate removed, a piece of bowel taken out and then – the worst of them – throat cancer, a few years back. That was a toughie,” he said. “I’ve had melanomas, I’ve had it all. This is a new twist but I’m grateful for it. “Twice in the same place might be bad news but I haven’t had that and am told the cancers are all unrelated.” Henderson made the decision after consulting with his wife Mardi. “We weighed up the risk associated with Brian having the kidney tumour removed and thought, as per the doctor’s advice, it was too great,” she said. “His mind is good, he’s still sharp, he still makes me laugh and we are happy so we’re counting our blessings.” The television legend, who has spent 47 years on screen with Nine, told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/brian-henderson-talks-peter-overton-on-cancer-diagnosis/9579ac7a-1ed0-4333-9f6a-0ac970f09742">9News</a> the doctor did not provide him with a timeframe. When asked if he thought about death, he said, “I don’t welcome it, but I’m not afraid of it.”

Caring

Former Channel 7 newsreader goes from mansion to prison

Former socialite and Channel 7 newsreader Simone Semmens who has livedn in some of Melbourne’s most expensive suburbs, will spend the next nine months in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre after being charged for evading taxes of up to $1.73 million. The newsreader turned property developer, was given a 34-month sentence on Thursday after County Court judge Scott Johns said 58-year-old Semmens ignored advice from accountants and bank staff who repeatedly told her that GST was owed on the transfer of 10 properties between 2005 and 2011. "You have your dishonesty but also your stubbornness and intransigence to blame," Judge Johns began. "There were many stages over the past 15 plus years where you could have taken advice, acted reasonably, acted honestly, listened and negotiated your way through the issue of liability for taxation. “The evidence in the trial revealed you to be stubborn and steadfast in your insistence that you did know owe GST or any other form of tax." He further elaborated on Semmens’ “dramatic” fall from grace. "You've scaled heights you probably only dreamed of as a 16 or 17-year-old trying to make your way in the world. “No doubt the way down has not been easy. It's in no small part to your resilience and resourcefulness that I consider your prospects for rehabilitation to be excellent." Semmens will be released in August 2020 on a $1000 good behaviour bond since she has already served time and a non-parole period of 14 months. The former newsreader bought a Toorak, Melbourne home for $1.1 million. She also purchased the Portsea mansion Noorah for $7.5 million and paid $7.8 million for the historic Rosecraddock estate in Caulfield North. It was the house that had seen the horrific murder of former owner and eccentric millionaire Peter Shellard by his former girlfriend and two drug-addled accomplices. She had Rosecraddock subdivided into seven single properties, demolished the Toorak residence and built two apartments, and had two additional homes built on the Portsea cliff top. All 10 of the properties were sold for a combined profit of over $4 million, however no GST was paid by Semmens. She also reneged on payments to tradesmen, suppliers, solicitors and lenders. Australian Tax Office assistant commissioner Ian Read explained that the sentence handed to Semmens sent a clear message to anyone who try to cheat the system adding tax evasion is not a victimless crime. “This wasn’t a one-off property sale; this is a case of someone deliberately carrying on an enterprise without meeting their tax obligations. “There are many TV shows that make flipping properties look like a fun and lucrative thing todo. People also need to be aware of their tax obligations.” Semmens’ tax misconduct was first revealed in 2011 during an ATO audit. The Tax Office and Federal Police raided Semmens' Toorak home in 2013. She was arrested while trying to board a flight to the US in 2015.

News

Why is 1980s newsreader Katrina Lee standing by George Pell's side?

A former Australian and once popular Channel Ten newsreader in the 1980s and '90s has rallied behind Cardinal George Pell throughout his trial for sexually abusing teenage boys. Pell, 77, was found guilty of four counts of indecent assault and one count of rape by a Melbourne jury in December of last year. But Australian media was only given permission to report on the case after the gag order was lifted on Tuesday. Katrina Lee, an executive advisor for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and a long time friend of Pell’s, stood by him throughout the ordeal, as spectators waiting outside of court yelled “rot in hell” to the religious leader. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824142/gp.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/35b9ec4e2ef94e64af50f96715e802ec" /> Ms Lee was employed by Channel Ten from 1978 until 1987 and then again from 1991 to 1994 as a newsreader, and regularly graced TV screens on the Channel Ten news. Throughout the entire trial, Lee did not leave Pell’s side and before his conviction, she posted a series of videos interviewing the Cardinal on YouTube. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7824143/ten.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ff02558a08f54324923994f7c47fd282" /> The interviews were on a range of topics, one of them being Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013. That same year, Lee responded to the mother of sexual abuse victim Peter Blenkiron, three years after she had written to her about allegations against the church. Mr Blenkiron’s mother Clare Linan said the reply was “offensive” as it came a few days before Pell was to provide evidence for an investigation into how churches deal with sexual abuse. Ms Linan had written to Lee in 2010 but received a response three years later in 2013. Lee chose the opportunity to praise Pell, Ms Linan told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/pell-camp-offensive-in-letter-reply-20130526-2n5ar.html" target="_blank">The Age</a>. “He said many times that helping victims and ensuring they are heard, believed and treated with compassion and respect must be the church’s first priority,” wrote Lee. But the letter failed to convince Ms Linan, as she said she didn’t believe anything that was written to her. [Pell] doesn’t act like a man of God,” she said. In 1996, Pell molested two 13-year-old boys at St Kevin’s College. While Pell has denied the accusations, evidence brought forward proved that the victim of his crime was telling the truth. Do you remember Katrina Lee from Channel Ten news? What do you think of her supporting disgraced cardinal George Pell? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Legal

The new rule Channel 10 newsreaders and presenters must follow

Last year, CBS bought Channel 10 after it was placed into voluntary administration and now, the American media giant has made a request of all newsreaders and presenters who work for the network. The network's talent, including those with years of experience such as Sandra Sully, must undergo voice coaching – a move that CBS believes will give Channel 10 a more grandiose sound. The announcement, which is understood to have offended TV veterans, was made this month by Channel 10's chief content officer Beverley McGarvey and newly appointed director of news Ross Dagan, reported <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au">The Daily Telegraph.</a> Channel 10’s experienced newsreaders and presenters include Sully, Natarsha Belling, Hugh Riminton and Tim Bailey. A spokesman from the network said that ongoing voice coaching was “industry standard”, however, executives from Nine and Seven said it was only for newcomers, not seasoned newsreaders. “It would be considered very insulting to suggest top talent needed to be retrained,” a Channel 7 source told The Daily Telegraph. A Nine source said experienced newsreaders were “absolutely not” required to do coaching. However, voice coach Melissa Agnew said undergoing training wasn’t a criticism of talent. "The best voices in the country do not shun voice training,” she said. “There seems to be a misconception that to work with a voice coach is a remedial thing, and it’s certainly not.” Despite having almost three decades of broadcast experience, Sully saw the benefits of the forced training. “It’s easy to slip into sloppy patterns,” she said. “All broadcast journos are encouraged to do voice work and I’ve done that on and off from day dot.” Channel 10 said in a statement: “We think it is important to invest in our team.” Earlier this month, Ten chief executive officer Paul Anderson revealed that the network would “more closely align with CBS across all platforms”. Since the takeover, the network has secured a $100 million deal to take the rights to Melbourne Cup from rival network Seven. Channel 10 has also ended its relationship with outsourced sales group Multi Channel Network.

Georgie Gardner's bittersweet on-air goodbye

Channel Nine newsreader Georgie Gardner has bid farewell to her 9 News colleagues as she signed off on her last bulletin before taking on her new role as co-host of the Today show next year alongside Karl Stefanovic. In a bittersweet on-air goodbye, Georgie, who has been part of the newsroom for 15 years, described her time on the news desk as “an honour and a privilege”. Reflecting on her career, the 47-year-old said there was one story that stayed with her out of the hundreds she’s covered – the Lindt Café siege in Sydney. “We couldn’t believe anything that horrific could happen on our doorstep,” she told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/12/21/18/37/georgie-gardner-signs-off-from-nine-news" target="_blank">9 News online</a>. “It changed the face of Sydney forever.” As for the hardest bulletin she ever had to read? The sad news of her colleague and friend Peter Harvey’s death. “I was just heading down to the studio when the call came through,” she said. “We knew it was potentially coming but to sit and read that introduction was a tough one. Having said that, I felt a great sense of pride in reading it on behalf of us all. We still miss him every day.” And despite having read the news on Today up until three years ago, Georgie hasn’t been scared off by that 3.30 am alarm. “I’m really excited to be back on the Today show. It’s an enormous opportunity, it’s a big job but a fabulous privilege and I think we’re going to have a whole lot of fun.” Image credit: 9 News Sydney/Instagram.

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Channel 10 newsreader admits to driving while four times over the legal limit

TV celebs flock to Perth for Nine newsreader's glam wedding

Beloved BBC journalist and newsreader passes away

Veteran newsreader reportedly fired for "going grey"

Today Show newsreader welcomes baby boy

“This is a new twist but I’m grateful for it”: Veteran newsreader declines further cancer treatment

Former Channel 7 newsreader goes from mansion to prison

Why is 1980s newsreader Katrina Lee standing by George Pell's side?

The new rule Channel 10 newsreaders and presenters must follow

Georgie Gardner's bittersweet on-air goodbye

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