Today's Rebecca Maddern and Lauren Phillips on shock show exit: 'Very sad'

Rebecca Maddern and Lauren Phillips have spoken out after their departure from Channel Nine was abruptly announced over the weekend.

Weekend Today and Australian Ninja Warrior's Rebecca had been with the company for five and a half years, after first joining in 2016 to co-host The Footy Show.

“I’ve had so many career highlights at Nine and hosting the juggernaut, Australian Ninja Warrior, has been a thrill for the past five years,’’ Rebecca Maddern told the Herald Sun.

“I’m sad to leave my Today Show and tennis colleagues as well, but I’m excited about what’s next.

“I’m also extremely proud of playing a role in helping to change the broadcast landscape for women in sport after hosting the AFL footy show.”

On Sunday, Channel Nine announced Rebecca would be leaving the station, with a spokesperson saying: "Bec has been a great contributor to Nine since she joined us and we wish her well for the future”.

It was also revealed that Weekend Today’s weather presenter, Lauren Phillips, would be finishing up her role, in order to focus on her KIIS FM radio show.

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"And just like that, that’s a wrap as my time on Weekend Today. Honestly, this job has been a dream and it was almost impossible to walk away from. I tried with every part of me to work 7 mornings a week but it’s time I get some balance. I’m genuinely so sad to be leaving," Lauren wrote on Instagram.

"I’ve milked camels, been stood on by a cow, hiked mountains, almost frozen in lake Wanaka, driven a monster truck and been attacked my more birds than I can count and I’ve loved every moment off it. Thank you for letting me share your weekends with you. It’s been an absolute privilege."

She also uploaded a photo to Instagram of her smiling with Rebecca Maddern and Richard Wilkins.

“Nothing lasts forever… except for friendship” she wrote.

Richard Wilkins also posted the same photo to his account, with a love heart emoji as the caption.

“The new hosting line-up for Weekend Today in 2022 will be an ensemble, featuring Charles Croucher, Belinda Russell, Jayne Azzopardi and Richard Wilkins,” the statement read.

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