Former Sunrise host Basil Zempilas 'scales back' Channel 7 role

Veteran Channel 7 presenter Basil Zempilas has decided to further 'scale back' his role at the Network after already stepping down as host of Weekend Sunrise in 2019.

Entertainment editor Peter Ford first shared the news on Twitter on Monday that the star would be stepping away from his role of sports presenter, writing: "Breaking news … Basil Zempilas leaves 7 newsdesk."

In a statement, a spokesperson from the Network clarified he was simply "scaling back his full-time commitment reading sport".

"[He] will focus on his hosting roles with 7SPORT, Telethon and his duties as Lord Mayor of Perth," they said. "Basil has worked at Seven for 28 years – with plenty more to come."

According to TV Tonight, Basil – who is also Perth’s Lord Mayor – is seeking "more flexibility in his schedule".

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The veteran presenter first joined the network as a cadet in 1994, before becoming host of Weekend Sunrise and Channel 7’s Friday and Saturday football programs.

He also had his own Perth-based football show, Basil’s Footy Show, 1997 to 2001.

Sunrise farewells popular breakfast show host

Basil had already bid farewell to Weekend Sunrise in 2019, after spending two years as the host of breakfast program.

“Farewell, Basil Zempilas! We hope you enjoy spending weekends with your family after two years as part of the Sunrise Family,” the team wrote in a touching tribute on the official Sunrise Instagram account, alongside a picture of Basil with his fellow hosts, Sally Bowrey, Monique Wright and Simon Reeve.

He had been hosting the brekkie show on Saturday and Sunday alongside Monique since early 2018 when Andrew O’Keefe left

“GOODBYE.... for now. Join me tomorrow as I close the door on two wonderful years on Weekend @sunriseon7 with Mon, Simon and Sal. I’ll be back.. but in the meantime, it’s family time," Basil shared with his own followers online.

In a statement at the time it was said Basil was 'scaling back' his commitments to the breakfast program to spend more time with his family.

Seven's Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson called Basil "one of the hardest workers in the business".

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